Expert by Experience Involvement in Mental Health Research: Developing a Wellbeing Brochure for People with Lived Experiences of Mental Illness

Authors

Amy M. Tapsell, University of WollongongFollow
Kellie Martin, University of Wollongong
Lorna Moxham, University of WollongongFollow
Shawn G. Burns, University of WollongongFollow
Dana J. Perlman, University of WollongongFollow
Christopher F. Patterson, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

141302

Publication Details

Tapsell, A., Martin, K. M., Moxham, L., Burns, S., Perlman, D. & Patterson, C. (2020). Expert by Experience Involvement in Mental Health Research: Developing a Wellbeing Brochure for People with Lived Experiences of Mental Illness. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 41 (3), 194-200.

Abstract

This is a process paper that describes the development of a wellbeing brochure, shared between university researchers, a consumer research advocate, and fully informed by people who are living with mental illness (experts by experience). The purpose of this brochure was to provide strategies for maintaining wellbeing for EBEs, after attending a psychosocial intervention. Brochure development was guided by a mixed-methods research design, using a survey and focus group. The findings illustrate five key themes in EBEs strategies for maintaining wellbeing: good sleep hygiene, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, relaxation techniques and social support. This process paper demonstrates how collaborating with experts by experience represents a valuable approach for developing mental health research and resources.