Recovery experience of people living with Bipolar Disorder: A qualitative study

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research was to study the recovery experience of people with bipolar disorder and also to propose a development approach for the Bipolar Friends Club. Participants were eight people living with bipolar disorder for six to twenty years. They have been members of the Bipolar Friends Club for two to ten years. They have no mental symptoms in order to provide sufficient information about their recovery experiences, and have returned to everyday life with their family, community, and work. The data were collected by doing an in-depth interview. Two interviews were done, each lasting 45-90 minutes, an interval of four to five weeks. Confirmation of the results of the preliminary data analysis from the first interview was done at the second interview.

  We found out that the participants had positive experiences of being a Bipolar Club member. The club continued its activities with Recovery Oriented Service (ROS) to the participants. As a result, they  in proved in eight aspects: intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, physical, emotional, and financial. Furthermore, the participants suggested that the services of the club are perfect and should be continued. The results of the study support the purpose of the Bipolar Friends Club, as well as other clubs/associations which support rehabilitations of patients and  provide alternative  services for patients and their families. Then, the family and their loved ones with bipolar disorder have more choices of getting good services.