This descriptive study used a qualitative inductive approach to investigate the subjective experiences and perceptions of people with schizophrenia living in the community during times of difficulty and how they coped. We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine community-dwelling people with schizophrenia and used the KJ method developed by Kawakita Jiro to structure the data obtained. We identified 10 symbols with his method: bewilderment at the onset; helplessness and longing for death; solitude linked to death; precarious daily life; relationships at risk; fear of being stigmatized; pillars of emotional support; will to overcome; hope to never give up; and living with the illness. The results suggest that community mental health nurses should provide support so their patients can continue to have pillars of emotional support and the will to overcome difficulties, as well as continue to use their coping methods, even when experiencing many difficulties. It is important that nurses understand and share in their patients' difficult experiences and hopes when providing support toward their recovery.
Keywords: Japan; community mental health; coping; qualitative research; recovery model; schizophrenia; suicide ideation.
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