In part 2 of Lived Experience Education we’ll cover:
1. Medication
2. Safe Space
3. Personaity
4. Confidence
5. LE Education is Unconventional
6. Symbols of Hope
1. Medication
I have talked about medication in a previous post and how unique it is for every individual. When it comes to LE Education, I believe it’s important to have a basic understanding of these three groups:
a) Anti-Depressants
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Zoloft (Sertraline)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
b) Mood Stabilisers
• Lithium Bicarbonate (Lithium)
• Valproate (Epilam)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
c) Anti-Psychotics
• Olanzipine (Zyprexa)
• Clozapine (Clozaril)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)
In the past I have been administered anti–depressants, mood stabilisers and anti-psychotics. Where I could, I researched the drug before hand but sometimes this was not possible i.e. When I became unwell. There are pros and cons to all of these and every person’s makeup will determine what works best for them.
2. Safe Space
A safe space will be determined by the Lived Experience Educator. Some questions I pose to lived experience workers are:
What is safe to me?
Do I need to feel safe first?
Can I challenge my version of safe?
Do I read the room or am I predetermining that a space is unsafe?
And lastly…
What does unsafe look like?
If we don’t identify what is safe to us, we may use it as a barrier to effective education instead of challenging the notion of ‘safe space’, and therefore moving into confidence and growth.
3. Personality
Bringing one’s own personality and style and to LE Education can win over an audience very quickly. Lived Experience Educators will usually touch on some deep topics so humour can be a critical element to balance when talking about a life learnt. At the start, there is nothing wrong with sharing a little bit about yourself e.g. a funny story, ice breaker or something about yourself the audience can relate to. When you have such a powerful story, don’t be afraid to claim influence.
4. Confidence
Confidence involves an element of risk:
Risk of disclosure
Risk of trying something new
Risk fuels challenges and those challenges can breed confidence
Lived Experience workers work in an industry that has a tendency to contain risk before something happens rather than considered risk management
Risk Management in LE Education is a good thing. It means we plan ahead and choose whether or not to take on a risk. It gives us perspective on the risks ahead and allows us choice and control over the delivery. I found the more I shared my story in bite sized pieces the more confidence I gained.
5. LE Education is Unconventional
Lived experience education may never fit into a box because it is so personal and individual. We can do Intentional Peer Support (IPS), consumer and carer perspective or other LE leadership training. There is nothing wrong with the principles of these courses.
However, Lived Experience Education all boils down to your skillset, your style, your audience and if you choose to disclose aspects of your journey. That is the beauty of it. Make it yours and use your great voice to reach your intended audience.
6. Symbols of Hope
When we are educating, we are symbolising hope. Hope for consumers, carers, clinicians and strangers. If you are a LLEW (Lived and Living Experience Worker), just having a lived experience title demonstrates that you have overcome something incredibly challenging and significant.
Our stories are worth cherishing, worth sharing and they are worth celebrating.
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