Lived Experience Engagement: A Global Movement for Better Mental Health

Mental health is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects people from all walks of life around the world. While there are many approaches to mental health care, one critical aspect that has emerged in recent years is the importance of lived experience engagement. This approach involves actively seeking and valuing the perspectives of those who have lived experience with mental health challenges in decision-making processes, programming, and service delivery. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of lived experience engagement on a global scale and the potential for this approach to revolutionize mental health support around the world.

The Importance of Lived Experience Engagement:

Lived experience engagement recognizes the unique and valuable perspectives of those who have lived through mental health challenges. By involving individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes, programming, and service delivery, we can ensure that mental health services are tailored to the needs of those who use them. This approach can help to break down stigma and promote a more inclusive and compassionate mental health system.

Moreover, lived experience engagement can be empowering for individuals who have experienced mental health challenges. By being involved in decision-making and service delivery, individuals can have a sense of ownership over their own mental health care and feel that their experiences are valued. This can be a significant step towards recovery and improved mental health outcomes.

The Global Movement for Lived Experience Engagement:

The Global Mental Health Peer Network is a leader in the lived experience engagement space on a global scale. This network recognizes the importance of involving individuals with lived experience in mental health decision-making processes and service delivery, regardless of their geographic location or cultural background.

The future of the global lived experience engagement movement involves learning from the past and planning for the future. We can bring context to the stories, experiences, history, and knowledge that have led to the current structure and function of mental health systems around the world. We can also dream, design, and develop better systems for the future based on current best practice.

One potential benefit of a global lived experience engagement movement is increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Instead of reinventing the wheel or duplicating efforts and resources designing individual mental health systems, we could share the load. By gathering best practice from around the world, we could create a global framework that is adaptable to different local settings and cultures.

Action for the Global Mental Health Lived Experience Community: There are six key areas where the Global Mental Health Lived Experience Community can take action to promote lived experience engagement on a global scale:

1. Creating a database of consumer engagement resources from around the world.

2. Developing an overarching framework for lived experience engagement.

3. Advocating for global mental health policies that prioritize lived experience engagement.

4. Establishing an international peer network for individuals with lived experience.

5. Supporting the development of local lived experience networks around the world.

6. Promoting education and training on lived experience engagement for mental health professionals globally.

Conclusion:

Lived experience engagement is a critical approach to mental health care that can promote a more inclusive and compassionate mental health system around the world. By involving individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes, programming, and service delivery, we can ensure that mental health services are tailored to the needs of those who use them. The Global Mental Health Peer Network is a leader in the lived experience engagement space on a global scale and has the potential to create a global framework for lived experience engagement that is adaptable to different local settings and cultures. By taking action in key areas, the Global Mental Health Lived Experience Community can work towards a future where mental health support is more accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all.