Former mental health patient helps shape future services

A local woman with lived experience is helping shape the future of our mental health services.

Sian Marsden, 25, lives in Hadfield, Tameside and has faced many mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, emotionally-unstable personality disorder, body dysmorphia, and psychosis.

Working closely with our Tameside and Glossop involvement team, Sian is making a significant impact by sharing her insight and experiences.

Her journey began at 18 when she was working full-time running a hair salon. The overwhelming nature of her job, coupled with personal struggles, led to a severe mental health crisis.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, including a disruptive home and school life, Sian reached out for support when her condition deteriorated.

Sian explained: “I was on so much medication that my mind was all over the place. I felt like a walking zombie and completely dissociated with reality to protect myself and cope. I became so paranoid that I found myself unable to open curtains or leave my home, through fear that someone was watching me.”

Sian was referred to the Tameside community mental health team and praised the reasonable adjustments they made to support her through her darkest times.

“There were some days I couldn’t even leave my bedroom, but they understood my feelings. They came to my house and would sit at my bedroom door to talk to me. We would have our sessions while on a walk or having a cup of coffee, and I really felt like they adapted to my needs. Nothing was too much trouble.”

Sian also received her official diagnosis while under the team, something that brought her clarity and validation. She said: “My final puzzle piece fell into place, and I could finally understand and make sense of my mind. It was such a relief to be able to hear the words, and to be referred for the specific treatment I needed.”

As well as mental health support, the team noticed how Sian’s living situation was having a negative impact on her recovery. They supported her to find and secure a new home, where she could have her own space.

Sian had a new sense of independence and positive outlook on her future. “The support I received from the community team and during a short stay as a patient on a mental health ward definitely saved my life. I was inspired to help others and make a real difference in my local area.”

"Working in partnership"

Sian heard about Tameside involvement team through her support workers and was intrigued by the idea of using her voice to make positive change to services.

Sian has supported the team to review website content, team workbooks and training, with a focus on making sure patient care is at the heart of everything.

She’s written a guest edition of the community mental health team’s newsletter to encourage others to come forward. And she supported recruitment by co-interviewing new staff, which she found empowering.

Sian explained: “As someone who has lived experience of inpatient and community mental health services, I feel I can bring lots of value to the table. It’s great to have an outlet where you can be honest and offer your opinion on how things could change for the better.”

Rob Baker, Pennine Care assistant involvement co-ordinator added: “Working in partnership with people with lived experience is crucial for mental health services. One of our ambitions is listening to improve, demonstrating how passionate we feel about it.

“People like Sian offer unique insights that professionals might miss and they help identify service gaps and suggest practical improvements. It supports us to be more effective and patient-focused, so we can better meet the needs of those we serve.”

When asked about her message to people who have not yet sought help, Sian said: "The mind is dangerous and being in your own head is the worst place you can possibly be. It’s so important to talk to people and tell them what’s going on. I felt stupid and thought I would be judged, but once I spoke up it took the weight off my shoulders.

“The hardest step is always the first, but once it’s done you’ll find it’s the best thing you’ve ever done. I now have my own voice and control of my life. One day you'll thank yourself for never giving up."

For more information about shaping mental health services visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/involvement