Alternate Reality Conceptualization: Venturing Along the Fine Line Between Genius and Madness

This article presents a discourse analysis of a woman's written account of mental illness and homelessness. In her preparation as a co-presenter at a conference for decision- and policy-makers, Anna wrote eight distinct drafts of her speaking notes; each time emphasizing different aspects of her experiences with mental illness and homelessness. By sharing her preparatory writings, Anna offers a rare insight into the ‘evolution’ of the thinking that went into representing her story to an audience of professionals. In addition, this analysis represents an interpretation and alternative forum to learn from Anna's story.     

Stories of women involved in a postpartum depression peer support group

Living through postpartum depression (PPD) might lead women to seek a variety of support to re‐establish their well‐being, including a hybrid of traditional and non‐traditional services. Within this mix, some women participate in peer groups; however, there is a paucity of research regarding their subjective experiences of engaging in this type of support. The purpose of this study was to describe how women talked about living through PPD in the context of a peer support group. This focused ethnography was a component of a larger participatory action study in northern Ontario, Canada. The seven members of a 5‐week peer support group described their postpartum experiences through written, visual, and spoken stories. Using structural narrative analysis, stories about recovery were identified across the data. Three groups of recovery stories were labelled as illness, mothering wisdom, and mobilizing. The findings suggested that women actively sought and established a therapeutic space for PPD recovery with peers. As such, health‐care providers are encouraged to acknowledge the merits and advocate for the multiple and diverse alliances women might require to actualize recovery.     

Capabilities Approach: Contextualizing Participants’ Perspectives on Systems Barriers to Recovery

Mental health resources are designed to facilitate recovery for adults with psychiatric disabilities. Two participants of an autovideography intervention described systems barriers to recovery. Researchers employed narrative analysis, guided by the capabilities approach, to evaluate how participants storied their experiences. Participants made meaning from encounters with barriers in ways that oppose the spirit and advancement of recovery while engendering adaptive preferences. Findings indicate that inadequate resources attenuate wellbeing by increasing barriers that actively oppose recovery, and positive reframing of unaccommodating environments reinforces adaptive preferences and incapacity. Adequate resources are essential for successful recovery transformation within the mental health system.     

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Pilot Housing Transition Program for Homeless Adults with Mental Illness and Substance Use

The purpose of this study was to determine if a housing transition program was feasible and acceptable to homeless clients with mental illness and substance use histories. Ten male residents of a homeless shelter participated in the 3-week housing intervention. The intervention used a DVD format with instructional videos, graphics, and opportunities for hands-on practice of functional skills in a simulated apartment environment. Outcome measures included goal attainment scale scores (GAS), satisfaction surveys, and case manager reports. Six of the 10 participants completed the program and achieved GAS scores at a greater level than expected at baseline (T > 50). Participants reported the intervention to be engaging and enhanced their knowledge of the housing transition process. The intervention appears to have assisted the participants in the attainment of housing skills and warrants further study.