STRONGER TOGETHER: Understanding the Value of Lived Experience in Mental Health

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the profound impact of diverse lived experiences in mental health and the importance of recognising and valuing these perspectives to foster a compassionate and understanding community.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

Mental health affects everyone in unique ways, but the power of lived experience is what truly brings us together. Whether you are directly affected or supporting someone through their journey, your perspective matters.  

It’s important to recognise that lived experience is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Experiences vary dramatically depending on individual circumstances, and appreciating this diversity is essential to building a more compassionate and understanding community. 

Take, for example, a mother caring for a child diagnosed with a mental illness. Her lived experience is rooted in love, concern, and the daily effort to advocate for her child’s needs. From the outside, it may seem like a routine of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and careful monitoring, but her journey runs much deeper. She has to balance her child's emotional ups and downs while learning the triggers that lead to meltdowns or depressive episodes. There are sleepless nights, relentless advocacy for school accommodations, and the constant challenge of feeling the need to justify her child’s behaviour to others. Most days, she ‘armours up’, putting on a brave face, yet inside she carries the burden of the unknown. Uncertain of each new day while unequivocally hopeful for her child’s future. 

Now, contrast that with the lived experience of someone personally diagnosed with a mental illness. Their journey may include coping with the internal struggles of anxiety or depression, managing medications, and balancing life amidst the weight of stigma. This person might spend their days combating thoughts that are difficult to articulate, feeling disconnected from friends or family, and dealing with the isolating effects of their condition. They might wrestle with the uncertainty of whether they will ever feel "normal" or wonder if others see them as a burden. But despite these challenges, their lived experience fosters resilience, self-awareness, and, often, a deeper understanding of their own needs and strengths. 

Then there’s the experience of a husband supporting his wife through her mental health journey. His lived experience is about emotional strength and patience as he navigates the highs and lows associated with her symptoms. He might wake up to find that his wife is struggling to get out of bed or battling overwhelming feelings of despair. In those moments, his role is to provide support, a safe space, and encouragement without judgment. He learns to identify potential triggers and supports her to develop coping strategies, all while shouldering his own emotional toll. He, too, grows in resilience and empathy, even though his experience is different from that of his wife. 

Each of these perspectives is distinct, yet all are united by a common thread: the profound impact of mental health on individuals and their loved ones. While some are not living through the illness themselves, their lived experience is no less valuable. As a community, it is imperative that we recognise and honour this.  

The collective wisdom derived from these varied lived experiences can drive meaningful change. Recognising and integrating these diverse perspectives allows us to foster a community where empathy and understanding prevail, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Only then can we unlock the full potential of our community and achieve truly amazing things together.