Table 1 Early mental health recovery: themes and sub-themes

1. Engaging with the challenge of recovery

 a it needs to be me

 b standing up for myself

 c fighting the desire to withdraw or give up

 d accepting support and that recovery can’t be ‘done’ alone

 e struggling with stigma and learning to be king to yourself

2. Struggling to find safety and security

3. Grieving for what was and what could have been

4. Seeking and finding hope and purpose

5. Navigating complex relationships

 a managing the impact of illness on others

 b separating carer roles from family and friends

 c managing and avoiding unhelpful relationships

6. Connecting with formal and informal support

7. Juggling a complexity of health issues