When we think of lived experience education, what do we think of? I am of the mind that people of lived experience are all educators in their own right, regardless of any title, formal qualification, or experience. We can try our hardest to fit lived experience into a training package but everybody’s experience is based on their own knowledge and wisdom of a life learnt. This isn’t to say that courses like Intentional Peer Support (IPS) or Consumer and Carer Perspective Supervision training courses aren’t important. There are solid principles there.
However, if we see ourselves as ‘everyday educators’ we can foster understanding in a way that deepens their knowledge of mental health where the perspective is brand new and unique to others.
This post and the one to follow will demonstrate one version of lived experience education as I understand it. There are key components we’ll look at. Part 1 and part 2 will cover:
Part 1
1. Two Processes
2. Audience
3. Personal and Professional
4. Disclosure
5. Spiel
6. Knowing One’s Diagnosis
7. Bipolar Disorder Types
Part 2
1. Medication
2. Safe Space
3. Personality
4. Confidence
5. LE Education is Unconventional
6. Symbols of Hope
1. Two Processes
Educating an audience
Examples of educating an audience include:
• PowerPoint presentation
• Creative interpretation e.g. music, dance, spoken word. Effective preparation and rehearsal is key
• Training e.g. Intentional Peer Support, Consumer/Carer Perspective
Everyday education
• Educating people we talk to each day e.g. clinicians, peers, clients, strangers
• If a person sees me well, engaging in conversations and knows I am lived experience, that can symbolise hope
2. Audience
Knowing who our audience is crucial for effective educating as we may need to tailor our message to suit the those listening. These could be your:
• Clients
• Clinicians
• Peers
• Strangers
3. Personal and Professional
Lived and living experience workers have a unique intertwining of personal and professional roles. We bring our whole selves to our roles. This is a good thing, however it is important to focus on:
• Assertiveness
• Checking our boundaries personally and professionally
• Self care strategies
Working on these three components can create a rewarding work-life balance.
4. Disclosure
As Lived Experience Educators, disclosure in an appropriate setting and time is important. Aspects of disclosure include:
Connection – Lived experience should be disclosed for the purpose of connection and building rapport.
Personal and Private - Lived experience is very personal and can be very private. This needs to be respected.
Intersecting Disclosure - This can develop rapport and enhance the recovery journey. This is what peer workers should aim for.
5. Spiel
Not everyone has a spiel but I’ve found it has worked well for me, and it’s what I am comfortable to share with just about anyone if they asked me. A little spiel can be powerful and effective to engage an audience and bring them up to speed. Mine goes like this:
“My name is Lachlan. In 2002 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (Type 1). I dropped out of high school on the day of my first year 12 exam because a manic episode had begun. From 2002 - 2007 I was hospitalised three times in three different states. Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Since 2007 I have had no major episodes. Among other things, I manage my condition with the same medication I've been on since 2002.”
6. Knowing One’s Diagnosis
Some people may have no diagnosis but have lived experience. While others can spend a long time debating with health care professionals over a 'label' they’ve been given. I like to treat my diagnosis as a framework to manage, as opposed to be controlled by symptoms. I had to educate myself on this before I educated others about my diagnosis. Education of self has also helped many people challenge their incorrect diagnoses.
7. Bipolar Disorder Types
This section is about educating myself on my own diagnosis- bipolar disorder type 1. There are three types of bipolar disorder, which are defined by the severity and frequency of mood swings.
Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last for at least seven days, or manic episodes that are so severe that they require hospitalization.
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by depressive episodes that alternate with periods of hypomania (a less severe form of mania).
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder that is characterized by shorter and less severe mood swings
This concludes part 1 of my version of Lived Experience Education. Yours will be different, tailored expertly and uniquely from your own knowledge, wisdom, experience and skillset.
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