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There is a need for qualitative studies on motherhood and mental distress. Many mothers have a diagnosis of mental illness, and their motherhood exists in constant tension with their distress. This paper focuses on 10 mothers’ stories about motherhood in relation to being admitted as mental health service users in three different Norwegian community mental health centers. The study has a narrative approach, and through a thematic analysis of personal stories, we emphasize how the 10 women make sense of their experiences of admittance to mental health services in relation to dominant Discourses of good motherhood. Themes identified were: (1) being able to put oneself in the child’s shoes; (2) the emotional impact of being admitted; (3) being open with the children about the admission; and (4) being an emotionally available and present mother. Based on the results of our analysis, we suggest the mothers experienced their distress as a natural reaction to life strains over time, and that they relate to the admissions as interruptions. This underlines the necessity of a more holistic approach, with a support system that focuses on both personal and social aspects of motherhood and mental distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a given year, approximately 26 percent of persons in the United States 18 years and older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. About six percent are diagnosed with a serious mental illness and 65 percent of these are mothers. Mothers with serious mental illness are at increased risk of losing custody of their children. This report represents findings from a qualitative study of the relationship between positive and negative social interactions as three such women went through the process of experiencing threats to their children’s safety, relinquishing custody, and working to regain it (or to adjust to a permanent placement). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis of data was conducted. Among three conceptual models of social interactions – additive, moderating, and domain specific, the domain-specific model was prominent. Findings are discussed as preliminary to future similar studies involving larger samples. Tentative implications for policy, practice, and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]