<![CDATA[Introduction: Recovery from psychiatric illness extends beyond symptom stabilization and hospital discharge. Community reintegration involves returning to everyday community life, rebuilding relationships, resuming meaningful roles, and participating in work and social activities. This study explored the lived experiences of people with mental illness during community reintegration, focusing on challenges, coping strategies, and supportive factors. Method: A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Twelve Filipino adults with a history of psychiatric hospitalization who had been clinically stable and living in the community for at least six months post-recovery were recruited through purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria included Filipino ethnicity, Philippine residency, Filipino language proficiency, age 18 years or above, history of psychiatric diagnosis with completed treatment or recovery, and clinical stability for at least six months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data saturation was reached by the tenth interview, with two additional informants confirming saturation. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. Results: The central phenomenon, “To RISE from the Ruins,” described reintegration as a fragile yet courageous process of rebuilding life after psychiatric illness. Four themes emerged: Resistance to Stigma and Lived Adversities; Interplay with Medication and Treatment Care; Sustaining Life through Coping and Support Systems; and Evolution of Self and Social Reintegration. Conclusions: Community reintegration after psychiatric illness is influenced by psychosocial and clinical factors. Strengthening community-based mental health services, reducing stigma, and promoting holistic recovery-oriented interventions are essential to support sustained recovery, social inclusion, and well-being.]]>
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