Experiences of Mental Health Recovery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This thesis explores mental health recovery in Saudi Arabia from the perspectives of consumers, carers, and nurses. Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative design informed by social constructionism, the study involved semi-structured interviews with 16 consumers, 10 carers, and 8 nurses. Thematic analysis revealed that consumers view recovery as a transformative process, emphasising self-help and social support while facing barriers such as stigma and poor interpersonal skills. Carers highlighted the importance of the bond between carers and consumers, advocating for co-designed care planning. Nurses defined recovery primarily in terms of clinical improvements, recognising both biomedical and therapeutic approaches as facilitators. Common themes across all groups included the conceptualisation of recovery as a transformative journey requiring hope and determination, the significance of interpersonal skills, and the impact of stigma as a barrier. This study found that mental health recovery in Saudi Arabia is socially constructed and influenced by cultural norms and community interactions. The findings suggest that effective recovery-oriented practice in Saudi Arabia requires a shift from the dominant biomedical model towards a more holistic, culturally sensitive approach that integrates consumers' and carers' perspectives and emphasises consumer-centred, trauma-informed care.