Self-care in mental health services: a narrative review

Mike Lucock, Steve Gillard, Katie Adams, Lucy Simons, Rachel White, Christine Edwards

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Self-care is an important approach to the management of long-term health conditions and in preventing ill-health by living a healthy lifestyle. The concept has been used to a limited extent in relation to mental health, but it overlaps with the related concepts of recovery, self-management and self-help. These related concepts all entail individuals having more choice and control over treatment and a greater role in recovery and maintaining their health and well-being. This paper reviews qualitative empirical research that provides information on the nature of self-care in mental health from the perspective of people experiencing mental health problems. Twenty qualitative studies were identified from a systematic search of the literature. The methods used in these studies were critically appraised and key themes across studies identified self-care behaviours and processes supporting self-care. The paper also highlights challenges to this approach in mental health and provides a conceptual framework of the relationships between self-care support, self-care behaviours and strategies, and well-being for the individual. It also highlights limitations in the current evidence base and identifies areas for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)602-616
Number of pages15
JournalHealth and Social Care in the Community
Volume19
Issue number6
Early online date13 Jun 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2011

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Self-care in mental health services: a narrative review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this