Motivation does not come with an ending--it's the beginning of something new: experiences of motivating persons with psychiatric disabilities to physical activity.

Despite strong evidence for the positive relationship between physical activity and mental health, physical activity is used far too little to promote health in mental health care. Fourteen caregivers working in community mental health services were interviewed about their experiences of motivating adult persons with psychiatric disabilities to be physically active, and data were analysed using a phenomenological-hermeneutical approach. Three themes emerged: (1) An approach of conscious acts, (2) Companionship as a joint creation, and (3) Understanding as a way to create meaning.

Moving toward reclaiming life: lived experiences of being physically active among persons with psychiatric disabilities.

There is abundant documentation in research about the significant relationship between physical activity and mental health, but there is still more to be learned about what can enhance motivation to become more physically active. Fourteen persons with psychiatric disabilities were interviewed about their experiences of being physically active, and data was analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic method. Five themes emerged: Capability for Living, Liberation from a Heavy Mind, Companionship in Being in Motion, Longing for Living One's Life, and Struggling with Limitations.