Community Participation of People with Mental Health Issues within an Urban Environment

Abstract

Photovoice is an action research methodology in which people create/share photographs with stakeholders to generate personal and community change. In this study, people with mental health issues used photovoice to explore questions about community participation within an urban environment. Identified areas of occupation include spending time with friends, daily living tasks, and managing symptoms. Facilitators to community participation include access to supports, transportation, and making friends. Factors limiting participation include the risks for stigmatization, homelessness, and medication side effects. Implications for occupational therapy intervention include supporting participants’ community participation by developing friendships/supports and addressing the ongoing demands of symptom management.