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Table 1 An example of the formation of concepts

From: The process of stigma experience in the families of people living with bipolar disorder: a grounded theory study

Concept

Categories

Sub-categories

A sample of semantic unit

Forced acceptance of the existing situation

Indifference and disregard for the existing situation

Ignorance of the looks of others

In the beginning, I was very upset by the words of people, but I’ve decided to be carefree. Should I ruminate constantly? Should I commit suicide? What should I do when people are talking? I told my daughter, ‘we shouldn’t care about these issues, and we should make our lives’

Not arguing against inappropriate words of others

Entertaining themselves, not to think of the difficult conditions of life

Ignorance of patient’s behaviours

Identifying families with similar problems

Comparing their situation to families with disabled members

It was God’s will that my life is like this. There’s a family with a disabled individual; well, it’s our destiny to have it. People should understand that this is a disease like any other disease and do not rub salt into our wounds

Comparing their situation to families with drug user members

Silence and surrender

Trying to normalise the situation

I don’t like others to know more or less about my life and my sorrow and grief. That’s why I put everything in my heart and don’t talk to anyone about my problems

Keeping sadness and grief with you

Silence in the face of immoral suggestions

Surrender to circumstances

Distancing from others

Multiple changes of place of residence

It has happened many times that I changed my place of residence. When they don’t know about it, they behave with a lot of dignity and respect, but when they understand, everything changes very easily; as I was humiliated among the relatives, so it is among the neighbours

Limiting communication with others

Reducing the amount of leaving the house

Hiding the disease

Not talking to others regarding the disease of the affected family member

Everyone who understands that she’s my sister starts to give advice… That’s why we try our best not to let anyone know that our sister’s sick …

Imprisoning the people living with bipolar disorder at home