A desire to be embraced: the lived experience of encountering primary health care for a person with mental health problems. A descriptive phenomenological study

Background: Primary health care is in the unique position of being a first level of support and care to individuals with mental health problems. The focus in this service is on diagnosis, medical treatment, and symptom reduction. However, to access it is perceived as challenging by both patients and providers. An increased understanding of the lived experience of encountering primary health care may be beneficial for the delivery of a tailored mental health service to patients. Aim: To explore the lived experience of encounters with primary health care of a person with mental health problems. Methods: Eleven in-depth interviews were conducted online between October 2022 and April 2023. A descriptive phenomenology study in accordance with Giorgi was used to analyze the material. Results: The essence of the lived experience of being a patient with MHP was a desire to be embraced by health professionals, which was the general construction based on four themes, To come from a place of loneliness and vulnerability, To sense mental health was viewed as problematic, To not be in control and To feel safe. Conclusions: The lived experience of being a patient with mental health problems was described as everyday challenges due to their mental health. They never knew whether the support was there for them as patients when encountering primary health care. Acknowledging patients as experts on their life situation is the core element in person-centered care. It is therefore crucial for further research to include patients’ experiential knowledge to inform clinical practice and to improve clinical outcomes.