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
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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 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.
We interviewed inspirational individuals with lived experience with mental health conditions from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, India, and United States.
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.
We interviewed inspirational individuals with lived experience with mental health conditions from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, India, and United States.
wAS YOUR DIAGNOSIS A sense of RELIEF OR a BURDEN? |
HOW WAS YOUR DIAGNOSIS CONVEYED or communicated TO YOU? |
HOW DID PEOPLE REACT towards your diagnosis ? |
What would you recommend to improve mental health care services? |
What have you experienced as harmful in mental health services or interventions? |
What has been most helpful in your recovery? |
Eleni misganaw shares her experiences and perspectives
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We interviewed Eleni Misganaw from Ethiopia who was diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Disorder. She struggled with mental health problems at a young age of 14 years - at the time she attended school in Belgium and consequently had to return to her home country Ethiopia. She experienced high levels of stigma from the community once her diagnosis was known. The stigma made her feel that she was a failure and shame to the community and her family, but her supportive parents eased the burden by helping her through the difficult times.
Today, Eleni is a strong and inspirational mental health advocate and Executive Committee member of the Global Mental Health Peer Network, representing Ethiopia. |
HINA MOBAR SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Hina Mobar from India takes us on her journey with a diagnosis of Bipolar Mood Disorder, and provides her perspectives on issues pertaining to mental health and human rights through her own struggles.
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ORYX COHEN SHARES HIS EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Oryx Cohen from the United States of America shared his insights and experiences around having received a diagnosis of Bipolar Mood Disorder - he perceives his experiences as alter states and rather a positive experience than negative.
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Surabhi Katyal SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Surabhi Katyal from India experienced mental health problems at a very young age, struggling with depression and anxiety, while additionally living with a chronic pain condition.
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Claire Waithira Kyalo SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Claire Waithira Kyalo from Kenya was diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Disorder. Her journey lead her to get involved in mental health advocacy work. She is also a Kenyan representative on the GMHPN Country Executive Committee.
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Chantelle Booysen SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Chantelle Booysen from South Africa was diagnosed with Bipolar Mood Disorder. Her journey lead to her work in mental health advocacy and has particular interest in youth mental health and mental health in the workplace.
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MELISSA TALAL SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Melissa Talal from the United States of America kindly shared insights into her journey following a diagnosis of schizoaffective/ bipolar disorder. Today she is a peer support specialist.
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RICHA BAKHSHY SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES
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Richa Bakhshy from India shares her experiences and perspectives, and shares insights into what it is like to live with schizophrenia.
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LIVED EXPERIENCE PERSPECTIVE FROM UNITED STATES
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Lived experience perspective from the United States emphasised the importance of talking about experiences and emotions.
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