Abstract
This paper describes how people changed their lifestyles after being discharged from an inpatient mental health treatment. I interviewed 11 people with mental illness using a semi-structured interview format. After discharge, they were inactive and felt powerless. Then, they began to lead a regular life style with Recovering their sense of power and took their doctor's advice. If they had an accident, they became fatigued, which complicated their symptoms. They then stopped the activity in their lives. However, upon finding such a life unacceptable, they decided to accept support from friends and try to live an active life again. This resulted in three life patterns: 'becoming active and developing,' 'maintaining the lifestyle,' and 'moving through stages in step.'
