"Where am I in this?" The Importance of Including Lived Experiences in Mental Health Content

In healthcare writing, producing content that connects with readers while providing valuable information is a no-brainer. In particular, a writer's perspective plays a role in the message's impact when crafting mental health content. That is part of the issue; a writer’s perspective may not be accurate. Anyone can do a little research and churn out a blog or article based on what they have learned.  The real value comes when mental health content is written from lived experience.

While it is true that everyone’s reactions, coping mechanisms, and levels are different when it comes to adjusting to a mental health diagnosis, there are certain areas where the experience is shared. No amount of research will compare to that. This is where storytelling strategies enhance the effectiveness of writing mental health content. One creates relatable articles by incorporating those lived experience narrative elements into the writing. When a reader can see themselves reflected in the words, you have a reader for life so long as you do not violate that connection by breaking the trust in how you express that (or their) experience.

One of the key aspects of any mental health writing is to prioritize empathy and understanding.  That may seem like a no-brainer, yet you may be surprised by how insensitive some writers can be when jumping on bandwagon topics.  Acknowledging the sensitive nature of mental health, you must approach the writing with compassion and complete respect. When trying to write any work concerning mental health, reach out and connect with people who have those lived experiences I mentioned before and talk to them. A writer cannot learn what it’s like to be in the space of someone who faces these challenges, but they can report directly from the source.  It’s not just about sharing their stories; it’s about working into the general narrative of the piece that experience, which makes an honest connection with the audience, whether they have those same experiences or not. Promoting a greater understanding of mental health challenges through the eyes of someone who lives it adds the humanity lacking in a lot of healthcare and mental health writing today.

Another important consideration is to ensure accuracy and credibility. In this age of misinformation and clickbait, research is non-negotiable in creating articles backed by evidence-based information. By staying up-to-date on the latest developments in mental health, writers provide readers with valuable insights to help them navigate complex topics confidently. By connecting with the people, the “movers and shakers” in that arena, writers incorporate that personal touch, allowing readers to see the person, not only the diagnosis.  While it is necessary to tailor the tone and style of the content to the targeted audience, what is more important is making sure that your information is correct, personable, and has an emotional value beyond the words themselves.

Optimizing mental health content with lived experiences involves incorporating storytelling elements, prioritizing empathy and understanding, maintaining accuracy and credibility, and tailoring the content to the target audience without losing the most important thing about the writing itself: Lifting up the people who live there.