‘You Just Lose the People You Know’: Relationship Loss and Mental Illness

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the nature, scope and consequences of losses resulting from mental illness. This paper presents findings from a key theme of this study—the loss of relationships. Thematic analysis revealed two categories: loss of intimate relationships, which included subcategories of (i) spouses/partners, (ii) children/parenthood, (iii) family, and (iv) friends; and (2) people within the community, such as people at church and support groups. Relationships are seen as one of the most crucial yet challenging elements to recovery and wellbeing for people affected by mental illness.