Period	Categories	Subcategories
Early introductory period	They felt lost having to cope with new experiences	They could not imagine their day care life in future They didn’t know what to do or where to go They wondered about who they should eat lunch with
	They had distress through communication	They were at a loss when someone tried talking to them They thought that it was difficult to talk to other patients who have mental disorders They agonized unable to become familiar with other patients They became nervous when they spoke in front of other people
	They were cutting themselves off from others	They tried not to stand out They could not become familiar with staff and other patients and spent to keep themselves They could not talk to others voluntarily
Mid- introductory period	They were attempting to adapt	They thought that day care was their only option to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms They chose some treatment program that they wanted to try They carried out some useful treatment program in their life Although they were reluctant to join the treatment program, it went well when they joined an activity When they didn't feel well, they adjusted their activities in the treatment program to make it more relaxing
	They felt relief at being spoken to by surrounding people	They felt reassured when other patients talked to them They felt that staff talked to them and cared about them
	They gradually formed connecting with others	They slowly started to listen to the people around them When they asked staff about treatment program content, they were answered with kindness They could talk to staff and other patients, although they were a little hesitant to do so They could mutually share their troubles, and so support each other They could find out about the thinking of various other people It was fun to cook together while talking with everyone
Late introductory period	They had worries about their obscure future	They realized that recovery took more time than they had expected They questioned the implication of staying in day care as was
	They broadened their daily life activities	They stepped up by increasing the number of treatment programs to participate in They could expand their capacities and enjoyed going out They tried to do what they had learned at the day care and were praised by their family
	They exhibited awareness of recovery	They could regulate their life and eating habits They could live an unhurried life in a comfortable atmosphere They gradually became healthy as they shared laughs with various people They could envision challenges and hopes