Examining the effects of the pandemic on individuals diagnosed with mental disorders through pictures: A qualitative study

This study was carried out as qualitative research to determine how individuals with mental disorders, who are in the high-risk and vulnerable group during the pandemic, were affected by the pandemic, their feelings, needs, coping methods, and how they managed the process. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants through the "Semi-Structured Qualitative Interview Form." After the interview, the instruction was "Draw a picture explaining how you were affected by the epidemic process" with A3 size drawing paper and painting materials (crayons, watercolors, etc.). After completing the drawing, participants were asked to give a verbal statement about the picture. Participants commented on their drawings in line with the researcher's questions. The aim is to uncover thematic and emotional connotations in their drawings to understand the impact of the pandemic on individuals with mental disorders. Their drawings, as well as their verbal comments on the drawings based on questions posed by the researchers, were used as a secondary communication tool for situations they were struggling to express during the pandemic. There were 39 participants in the research, 20 women and 19 men. The participants' diagnoses were schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (17), mood disorders (8), eating disorder (5), obsessive-compulsive disorder (3), anxiety disorder (2), personality disorder (2) and somatic symptom disorder (2). The average age of participants was 38 years old. The data of the research were collected under 6 headings. These are image analysis, the meaning of COVID-19, effects of the epidemic, coping strategies, needs/expectations, and perspective on life after the pandemic. Subheadings and codes were determined for each heading. As a result of this research, discussed through participants' drawings, the meaning of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic, coping skills, needs/expectations, and their perspectives on life after the pandemic. For participants who had difficulty expressing themselves verbally, drawing was seen to be a good way to express their feelings and thoughts. Determining the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups will help implement effective psychosocial interventions at the right time to combat future adverse situations. It is important to protect individuals with mental disorders, to carry out strengthening activities with their families, and to prepare them for possible future epidemics and all crises. Art therapy methods are included in books on the subject of the Classification of Nursing Outcomes. It is thought that in the future psychiatric nurses may use art therapy to understand and support the inner world of individuals with mental disorders. Since nurses' use of art therapy will increase the quality of care, it is recommended that nurses specialize in this field and conduct experimental research.