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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 and these include:

WA Primary Health Alliance, A glossary of mental health and primary care terms.https://www.wapha.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FS9_Glossary.pdf

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

Project Partners

Mental Health Lived Experience Engagement Network Logo

National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum logo

Acknowledgement of Country

The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum and the National Primary Health Network Mental Health Lived Experience Engagement Network acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and live on across Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Definition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience

“A lived experience recognises the effects of ongoing negative historical impacts and or specific events on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It encompasses the cultural, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of the individual, family or community.

“People with lived or living experience of suicide are those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a suicide attempt, cared for someone through a suicidal crisis, been bereaved by suicide or having a loved one who has died by suicide, acknowledging that this experience is significantly different and takes into consideration Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ways of understanding social and emotional wellbeing.” - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre

We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to this site and invite them to provide any feedback or items for inclusion.

Recognition of Lived Experience

We also recognise people with lived and living experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who are carers, families, kin, or supporters.

 

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