Brewer G, Centifanti L, Caicedo JC, Huxley G, Peddie C, Stratton K, Lyons M. Experiences of Mental Distress during COVID-19: Thematic Analysis of Discussion Forum Posts for Anxiety, Depression, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Illness, Crisis & Loss 2021;
30:795-811. [PMID:
36199441 PMCID:
PMC9403522 DOI:
10.1177/10541373211023951]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on coronavirus patients, health
care workers, and the general population is clear. Relatively few studies have,
however, considered the impact of the pandemic on those with pre-existing mental
health conditions. Therefore, the present study investigates the personal
experiences of those with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
during COVID-19. We conducted a qualitative study utilising Reddit discussion
forum posts. We conducted three separate thematic analyses from 130 posts in
subreddit forums aimed for people identifying with anxiety, depression, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder. We identified a number of similar discussion
forum themes (e.g., COVID-19 intensifying symptoms and a lack of social
support), as well as themes that were unique to each forum type (e.g.,
hyperawareness and positive experiences during the pandemic). Findings should
guide future practice and the support provided to those living with mental
distress.
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