Becoming Invisible: How Mental Health Systems Erode Selfhood in Young Adults With Mental Health–Related Disabilities

Sandy Rao, Gina Dimitropoulos, Katrina Milaney, Dean T. Eurich, Scott B. Patten, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, Department of Psychiatry, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Department of Community Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary

Qualitative Health Research

Published online on April 09, 2026

Abstract

Qualitative Health Research, Ahead of Print.
Young adulthood is a critical period for identity formation, yet young adults with mental health–related disabilities often engage with care systems that erode rather than support selfhood. This qualitative study draws on critical realist metatheory, ...