Our Global Voice Project
Supported by a grant from the Foundation Open Society Institute in cooperation with the Public Health Program
of the Open Society Foundations
of the Open Society Foundations
Introduction
Receiving a diagnosis of a mental health condition or disorder can be a daunting experience and the way in which one receives such a diagnosis may very well determine just how difficult the journey ahead will become and whether it will lead to empowerment or disempowerment.
The consequences of how a diagnosis is received may be impacted by, whether:
Receiving a diagnosis of a mental health condition or disorder can be a daunting experience and the way in which one receives such a diagnosis may very well determine just how difficult the journey ahead will become and whether it will lead to empowerment or disempowerment.
The consequences of how a diagnosis is received may be impacted by, whether:
- The diagnosis was explained to the person and whether the person was given the opportunity to obtain clarity to fully comprehend the situation, and in doing so are able to meaningfully participate in their recovery– was the information given based on evidence?
- The person was engaged with and supported to find the best treatment options that related to the person’s unique needs – was the person involved right from the beginning of diagnosis to after a treatment and recovery plan was decided on?
- The person was offered a range of treatment options to choose from – considered a person-centred and recovery approach?
On the negative side, when a person’s diagnosis or treatment plan is not explained or at all shared with the person, and where they had been excluded from participating in their own treatment and recovery, disempowerment is activated– the chance of that person achieving quality of life and functioning at an optimal level of their full potential, may be jeopardised. This scenario of non-participation in mental health care and services, has human rights implications as well, in that it denies the person the right to free and informed consent, autonomy, legal capacity, and protection from coercion.
What do persons with lived experience think about this and what can we learn from their experiences? The Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN) embarked on this quest to find out through its “Our Global Voice” Project.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE VIDEO INTERVIEWS AND SURVEY RESPONSES.
What do persons with lived experience think about this and what can we learn from their experiences? The Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN) embarked on this quest to find out through its “Our Global Voice” Project.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE VIDEO INTERVIEWS AND SURVEY RESPONSES.
| Our Global Voice Project Concept and Information.pdf |