What is the main focus of an 'illness story'?

The main focus of an 'illness story' is to illustrate the individual's lived experience with mental health challenges or substance use issues, often emphasizing the struggles, hardships, and stigma associated with those experiences. This narrative provides a deeper insight into the complexities of their journey through illness and recovery, allowing others to understand the impact these challenges have had on their lives.

By shedding light on negative experiences and past substance use, the illness story serves as a powerful tool for empathy and understanding, both for the individual sharing their story and those who hear it. This connection can foster a supportive environment where others feel less isolated in their own experiences. While aspects of recovery, achievements, or future plans may emerge within the narrative, the primary purpose revolves around the exploration of the struggles faced and the invitation for discussion about those difficulties.