Table 3 Schematic of themes
From: Parenting experiences of Chinese mothers living with a mental illness
Themes | Sub-themes |
|---|---|
1 Motherhood as a central identity | Â |
2 The stigma associated with being a mother with mental illness | Â |
3 The impact of mental illness on parenting | • Impact of fluctuating moods on parenting • Feeling guilty, overwhelmed, and helpless • Self-acceptance |
4 Perceptions about the impact of the mental illness on children | • Hereditary worries • Impact on children’s development • Reducing the negative impact of the mental illness on children |
5 Experiences of talking to children about mental illness | Â |
6 How having children impacts mothers’ mental illness and their recovery |  |
7 Support obtained and needed | • Helpful support • Unhelpful support or a lack of support • Support needed |