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By Lived Experience we refer to people who identify as either:

  • someone with personal experience of mental ill-health and recovery
  • a family member and/or carer or friend supporting a person living with mental ill health

People with lived experience are also referred to as consumers, clients, patients or carers, family and friends, supporters.

The language used on this website and its varied texts to describe and discuss themes and ideas relating to mental health may vary. We recognise that the jargon used in the area of mental health can cause confusion. We acknowledge that people might use different words to communicate their experience, and this is also valid. We also acknowledge that some language may be viewed as offensive by some readers. However, we have endeavoured to cover a broad range of knowledge and not all of it will sit well with everyone.

There are a number of reputable websites that include glossaries relating to mental health, one including:

Our Consumer Place, Psychobubble: The Little Red Book of Psychiatric Jargon. https://www.ourcommunity.com.au/files/OCP/PsychobabbleFeb2012.pdf