Research

Rethinking outcomes in self-harm research

The effectiveness of an intervention is typically determined by the use of outcome measures, whether this be in research or in clinical practice. In research, outcomes allow for the determination of an intervention’s suitability for wider distribution into communities. In clinical practice, outcomes can contribute to practitioners’ understanding of service users’ wellbeing and whether it has improved or if extra support is required. Clearly, outcome measures can carry a lot of weight, so it is important that the target constructs are meaningful and relevant so that they accurately reflect the experience of ‘recovery’ for each individual.

Lived Experience

For the love of language, can we talk about that?

By Martina McGrath. Here in Australia social change in relation to suicide prevention is occurring; and it is not without its struggles. The suicide prevention peer workforce (SP Peer Workforce) is emerging as is noted in Hawgood et al [1]. Alongside its emergence is the development and growth of non-clinical alternatives to care for people… Continue reading For the love of language, can we talk about that?

Lived Experience

Our journey so far: Co-producing a project about people’s experiences of being assessed for risk of suicide by their General Practitioners

This blog post discusses what is going on behind the scenes of a co-produced project (conducted in the UK) exploring how people experience being assessed for risk of suicide by their General Practitioners (GPs). Phil and three other volunteers are working alongside Sophia to develop the project and create a series of blogs to document… Continue reading Our journey so far: Co-producing a project about people’s experiences of being assessed for risk of suicide by their General Practitioners

Lived Experience, Suicide Prevention

Suicide risk assessments, experts by experience and me

By Sophia Fedorowicz As a first year PhD student I wanted my inaugural blog post to outline the area I am interested in and how I came to be here, I am a product of my experiences after all. My first love is psychology. My undergraduate degree was BSc Psychology Single Honours and so psychological… Continue reading Suicide risk assessments, experts by experience and me

Lived Experience

When your research topic becomes too close to home

By Laura Hemming It was an average Sunday afternoon when me and my partner, Sam, decided to head to our local swimming pool for a few laps. We’d been particularly stressed due to being midway through searching for and purchasing our first home, and decided we’d take some time out of relentlessly scrolling Rightmove to… Continue reading When your research topic becomes too close to home

Lived Experience

The Other Half of Suicide Ideation

I’m a healthy and stable guy. I lead a lifestyle I enjoy, have a job I’m passionate for and a friendship group I hold dear to me. I’m happy, positive about where I am in life and optimistic for the future. Even when times are bad, like when my father passed suddenly, I channelled the… Continue reading The Other Half of Suicide Ideation

Lived Experience

Who are the ‘Experts by Experience’ in Mental Health Research? – A personal reflection

By Laura Hemming. This blog is about my journey and identity as a researcher in an organisation that emphasises the importance of placing lived experience at the heart of mental health research. My journey as a researcher began a little over a year and a half ago when I was employed by the McPin Foundation… Continue reading Who are the ‘Experts by Experience’ in Mental Health Research? – A personal reflection