Re‐establishing and preserving hope of recovery through user participation in patients with a severe mental disorder: the self‐referral‐to‐inpatient‐treatment project

AIMS: The treatment of patients with a severe mental disorder is generally not good enough. The aim of this article was to illustrate some alternative approaches for better understanding and treatment for the individual, besides seeing and interpreting the symptoms. METHODS: The context of understanding is regulation of emotions whit a person‐based approach. The self‐referral‐to‐inpatient‐treatment project is presented and discussed as a possible method of intervention to improve patient involvement. DESIGN: Theoretical approach. RESULTS: Involvement in genuine decisions, where the individual is in control and feels emotionally robust, is important. The experience of regaining authority through being self‐empowered with sufficient environmental support is essential for re‐establishing and preserving hope of recovery.