Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the lives of Koreans with long‐term mental disorders who had experienced multiple readmissions after hospital discharges.
Methods
In‐depth interviews were conducted with 11 participants and thematic analysis was used to examine their data.
Findings
Four themes emerged from the data, describing their lives: they suffered in the aspects of social maladjustment, loneliness, causing shame to their families, and managing mental illnesses.
Practical Implications
After patients with mental disorders are discharged from the hospital, they need transitional care before systematic community‐based care to enhance their autonomy and reduce the burden on their families.