From Deepest Despair to a Ray of Hope - Parent’s Experiences of an Equine-Assisted Intervention for Their Mentally Distressed Children

A self-reported psychological distress and mental health diagnoses as well as use of psychotropic medication is rising among children and adolescents globally. Mental health aspects such as self-esteem, self-confidence, physical activity, and social interaction are crucial for children's and adolescents' well-being and school performance. Parents of children with mental illness often experience heavy care burden, social stigma, and financial strain affecting their physical, psychological, and social health. The study uses reflexive thematic analysis to describe nine parents' experiences of their mentally distressed children's participation in a 12-week equine-assisted therapeutic intervention conducted in accordance with Engels biopsychosocial model in southern Sweden. The results revealed the overarching theme "From deepest despair to a ray of hope," comprising three themes: "Experiencing crisis without getting any help," "An oasis of ease without stress," and "New spark of life and faith in the future." In conclusion, parents emphasized the importance of relaxation and confidence in their own and their children's abilities, gained through participation in the equine-assisted intervention (EAI). Integrating EAI into regular mental healthcare for children could strengthen mental health and resilience among the young and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as childhood mental well-being is fundamental to health and life expectancy.