As part of the MENTBEST project, we spoke with Albert, one of our cocreators, about his personal journey with mental health and his experience contributing to the project. What follows is his story, told largely in his own words.

Introduction and Early Experiences

My name is Albert. I am Catalan, I was born in Barcelona, and I now live in Reus. When I was just six years old, I realized that I had learning difficulties and that I couldn’t keep up with my classmates. I was also physically smaller, which made me feel different.

Later on, I experienced bullying from my peers and reached a point where I didn’t want to keep living. My family environment didn’t help either, quite the opposite. During that same period, I began to experience depressive symptoms, along with obsessions that went beyond the perfectionism I was already used to. One of my compulsions was washing my hands repeatedly. I lived through all of this in silence, not understanding why it was happening to me. I thought it was superstition and a sign of weakness. All of this led to a deep sense of loneliness and low self-esteem that continues to this day.

After doing everything possible to obtain an education and a good job, I reached a breaking point. In 2010, at the age of thirty-five, I was admitted to the psychiatric unit at Hospital Clínic. There, I was diagnosed with recurrent major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It was helpful to finally understand what I was going through, but at the same time I had to give up my studies and my job, something that still affects me today.

At the end of 2021, I suffered two attempts to end my life. Shortly afterwards, I requested to begin the euthanasia process, which was refused. After spending time in a community rehabilitation center, I decided to train as a peer support agent (P2P) and dedicate myself to research. I am currently part of the First Person Research Group (GR1P) and the Clinical Research Committee of the Pere Mata University Hospital Institute, and I participate in various studies.

Joining MENTBEST

When I learned that people with lived experience were being sought for a study, I didn’t hesitate to apply. At that time, I was very clear that I wanted to contribute to research. Being both a participant and a cocreator was already a strong motivation. I also found it very interesting that this was a European project involving different countries.

For me, the word cocreator goes far beyond a simple definition. It represents a step forward in normalizing the experiences of many people and helping us feel that we are part of society and of a shared project.

Contributing to the Project

Initially, I was going to support the creation of the MENTINA app, but in the end I also contributed to the COMBINA study. One of the tasks I remember most clearly is dissemination: it is essential to be clear about the message you want to communicate and how best to reach people.

Regarding the app, I tested the prototype and made suggestions for improvement before it was implemented in the study.

A Personal Perspective in an International Context

Even though we live in an increasingly globalized world, I believe each country preserves its own cultural essence, and that is something we should maintain. Whenever I can, I emphasize that I am Catalan because I believe minorities must be protected.

My lived experience has made me a very empathetic person, especially towards those who are most disadvantaged. For this reason, I have been very focused on highlighting that prevention must address the root of the problem.

Growth Through Participation

I feel fortunate to be part of this project. It has allowed me to It has allowed me to make a small contribution. When I was told that many meetings would be in English, I didn’t step back. I simply assumed I would find a way to understand others and make myself understood.

Thanks to everyone’s goodwill, the process has been easier than expected. Despite our different cultures, I have realized that we share many things and have been able to understand each other very well.

Looking Ahead

I believe that involving people with lived experience in the creation of mental health interventions is essential today. It is another step in the ongoing evolution of society. There is still a great deal of stigma, and people with certain difficulties are not yet fully integrated, something that varies depending on the country and culture.

Having seen the complexity behind a project like MENTBEST, it is very rewarding to watch it gradually take shape and move forward. I am now using the app that I helped make possible, which makes the experience even more meaningful.