Finding a way forward for mental well-being
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Finding a way forward for mental well-being – a co-produced mixed methods feasibility study
IRAS ID
183185
Contact name
Seren H Roberts
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Mental health is a priority area for the UK government. Important strides have been made in understanding recovery from mental health problems but research on this topic often focuses on improving services for recovery. There is no universal definition of recovery in the field of mental health. However, evidence is growing about the benefits of recovery-oriented services and practices. There are significant strides also in involving users of mental health services and their carers in undertaking research in mental health in particular in relation to understanding recovery. This study was coproduced from a partnership between mental health service users and carers and academics and clinicians. The aim is to use a mixed method approach to explore key themes around how to live well with mental illness, and what recovery might look like. An additional aim is to explicitly explore the challenges and benefits of service users and carer researchers in undertaking such work. We propose a series of work packages including a survey, qualitative interviews and focus groups with service users and carers, and an in-depth 360 case study (qualitative interviews with friends, family and care staff and service user). We will also record service user and carer experiences as researchers. All data collection and analysis will be undertaken by service user and carer researchers with support from the project team. Our findings will be disseminated locally and nationally through conference presentations and publications and are expected to lead to a programme of related research co-produced between service users and carers, and academics and clinician.
Summary of Results
Fifty two participants took part in the online survey. 96,2% had received a formal diagnosis for a mental health issue and all (100%) had been prescribed a medication for their mental health issue. Overall, having a diagnosis and medication was seen as important and favourable. However, there were mixed emotions reported about both diagnosis and receiving medication, these included fear, worry and stigma as well as relief, feeling better and hope. Over half (57%) had been admitted to hospital for their mental health, which was generally associated with negative feelings of distress, shame, shock, worry, anger and feelings of failure. Almost a quarter felt relief and one respondent reported gratefulness for the support provided by police, paramedics and A&E. Being admitted was seen as important or very important for a little over half (54%) of those who had experienced admission. Being admitted was associated with a range of impacts both positive (such as getting help, helped them get back on tack, allowed time to learn to manage their problems, and saving lives) and negative (such as stigma, life-long label, or feeling worse).
For those not admitted, this was generally viewed favourably with more than half reporting feelings of relief and that not being admitted was important or very important. A small number reported feeling worried and distressed at not being admitted. Additionally, not being admitted was also seen as having mostly positive impact, such as being able to work. Almost all had been given mental health advice and this was provided by a range of sources, including most dominantly GPs, Psychiatrists counsellor and mental health nurses. Others like family and friends, social workers, therapists, third sector organisations and even strangers, were reported by some to have offered them mental health advice. The advice provided was viewed by the majority of respondents as important or very important. A range of responses were provide about what recovery meant to each respondent. With many focusing on being able to recognise and manage symptoms, feeling more emotionally settled, and a sense of getting back to ones’ self. Similarly a range of experience about what or who helped or was unhelpful. Respondents rated their recovery stage across the full spectrum from no recovery to full recovery.REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
16/WA/0318
Date of REC Opinion
26 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion