Exploring the present and projecting the future: people with severe mental illness speaking for themselves

The participation of people with mental illness in research is key to their empowerment and provides them with a highly meaningful experience. The aim of this article was to explore the perspectives, views and experiences of people with severe mental illness (SMI) regarding their present life and projection of the future (desires, expectations related to the illness, their personal, working, relational life, etc.). We present the results of a qualitative study in which two personal interviews were conducted with seven people with SMI, incorporating visual elements produced by the participants themselves (photographs and drawings). The results obtained allow us to take a more in-depth look at these people’s reflections with regard to the present and future, while also opening a working path for professionals in the social education services.