Experiences of The Persons with Schizophrenia Living in A Local Community with Heavy Snowfall

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the experiences of the persons with schizophrenia living in a local community with heavy snowfall, and to provide suggestions to support their community life. For this, semi-structured interviews of 11 people with schizophrenia in psychiatric daycares or job assistance facilities were conducted. The interview data were analyzed qualitatively.

In this study, the experiences of the persons with schizophrenia living in a local community with heavy snowfall were classified into eight categories: [Mental attitudes and habituation to maintain one’s health], [Self-decision for maintaining daily living], [Adaptation to the snowy environment], [Support from surrounding people], [Acquisition of hope for future life], [acceptance of illness and recuperative life], [Considerations to interpersonal relationships], and [Postponement and patience for problems and challenges]. In the snowy environment, the persons continued to live by coping with their own mood swings, organizing their feelings, receiving support from others, and adapting to the snowy environment. The findings of this study suggested the importance of securing snow-related transport and supporting leisure activities, taking into account the health of the participants.