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Why do we need to listen to those students and academics with lived experience of mental illness? Why are their experiences valuable, especially in research, teaching and service?
This is why. A thread:
@AcademicChatter @OpenAcademics @academicvoices @PhD_Balance
This is why. A thread:
@AcademicChatter @OpenAcademics @academicvoices @PhD_Balance
1. People with lived experience have the ability to empathise with others - especially students experiencing mental ill-health. They have walked that path, and they can understand it ways that others cannot.
2. People who live with a mental illness are some of the strongest people you will ever meet. That kind of mental strength is important in all settings, but especially academia.
3. For those who teach organisational psychology: Workplace mental health is a critical issue for all organisations, and academics who have experienced mental illness can provide personal insights into the most effective strategies to promote well-being.
4. Those with lived experience can add their voices to reduce stigma around mental ill-health, especially in higher education. They can provide examples of survival and demonstrate that many people with a mental illness are able to function well, with support as needed.
5. Too often, people experiencing mental illness are assumed to be lazy, unproductive, and generally poor employees. This is especially the case in academia. The reality is that there are many academics with a mental illness who are “successful” and able to work very effectively.
