A Qualitative Study on Independent Living of Individuals with Mental Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the covid-19 crisis of people with mental disabilities who were living independently. We interviewed with 10 people with mental disabilities who were living independently. As a result, four major themes were identified: ‘What I think of independence’, ‘The Necessary Conditions for independence’, ‘The impact of covid-19 on independent living’, and ‘Adaptation and coping with the covid-19 crisis’. Based on these, three suggestions were made. First, it is necessary to provide opportunities for mentally disabled individuals to engage in shared activities with non-disabled people. Second, Education and support should be expanded to enhance understanding of mental disorders for families, peer supporters, local residents, and experts. Lastly, It is necessary to establish and reorganize various service methods so that they can cope with not only infectious diseases crises such as covid-19, but also crises that people with mental disabilities may experience in their daily lives, such as relapse and family conflict, and can be used for independent living.