Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe how women with stress-related illness experience well-being in everyday life. Methods: The study was based on a reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach and the methodological principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. Twelve women, aged 27–54 years, diagnosed with stress-related illness were included. Data were collected with lifeworld interviews based on photographs taken by the women relating to well-being in everyday life. The data were analysed for meaning. Results: Well-being emerged in situations where women could feel an unconditional beingness. This entails not having demands on oneself and includes some form of freedom from having to perform. The surroundings and supportive environments are important for this unconditional beingness to be present. In order to feel well-being in everyday life, the women need to balance their energy and find helpful tools that can achieve a balance in everyday life. Conclusions: Healthcare staff need to understand the importance of unconditional beingness in supportive environments for patients living with stress-related illness in order to support their health and well-being. It is also important to support patients in finding helpful tools that can aid them to achieve a balance in everyday life.
Highlights
This study focuses on well-being among Swedish women living with a stress-related illness, such as exhaustion disorder or a reaction to severe stress
The core element for attaining well-being in everyday life when living with a stress-related illness is a space for unconditional being
The results in this study show, from the perspective of women interviewed in this study, how it is possible to feel well-being in everyday life when living with stress-related illness
Summary
This study focuses on well-being among Swedish women living with a stress-related illness, such as exhaustion disorder or a reaction to severe stress. Well-being and positive experiences of physical, mental and social status are of importance for a healthy life (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019), even though it may be difficult to have a sufficiently healthy everyday life when suffering from illnesses. Developing strengths and using them in everyday life can promote an active participation in everyday life, in physical terms and mentally, socially and culturally (Iwasaki et al, 2006). The cornerstones of health and well-being are vitality, movement and peace, which could be further described in terms of life rhythm, i.e., finding harmony and balance as well as both stillness and movement in one’s life (Dahlberg et al, 2009). Dwelling mobility can be described as an “adventure” with existential possibilities and as “being at home with”, including meanings of rootedness and flow, peace and possibility
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