Once again I feel let down by the powers that be re: mental health funding. A tiny part of me had hoped that maybe this time life saving services might actually be allocated adequate money. I continue to advocate for better mental health services because I am privileged
To be able to use my lived experience to speak out when many others cannot or are afraid to. It has got me into LOTS of trouble with my mental health team in the past, even though my criticism is never aimed at them. But I will keep shouting because I've wasted 21 years
Of my life using inadequate mental health services. Maybe if I had received the right support I might have had an easier mental health journey. I speak of my experience, because I don't want others to go through the same. Tired of the echo chamber! What will it take? #Budget23
I would set up an org that would employ people with lived experience of mental health difficulties in research and the education of health professionals +service providers on how to *really improve mental health supports. None of that tokenistic shite that just ticks boxes.
They would be paid as they are experts and much more qualified than most because they know what they're talking about. None of that we will cover your expenses but can't pay you. Would you expect any other expert to work for free? If I had money I'd set this up in the morning!
Of course much good work is being done at the moment in Ireland around involving service users. But often it's not true* participation. Research should involve those with mental health experience at every level. Not just getting them to complete a survey based in their experience