I was invited to present from a lived experience perspective, sharing my personal journey through mental illness and discussing what I believe needs to change in the way local authorities and services support people experiencing mental health challenges. It was an opportunity to speak openly, honestly and authentically about the realities of living with mental illness and the lessons that can be learned from those who have experienced it first-hand.
I reflected on receiving my diagnoses of anxiety and depression, and how gaining a better understanding of these conditions helped me make sense of what I was experiencing. I shared what mental health looked like for me on a daily basis, and the factors that left me feeling isolated and alone before I received a diagnosis and the support I needed.
I also spoke candidly about my time in a mental health unit and the impact that poor mental health had on my education, career aspirations and confidence. Like many people, I experienced moments where it felt impossible to see a way forward.
However, I also discussed the turning point in my recovery – the moment when things began to change and I started receiving the right support, understanding and encouragement to move forward.
What works well when supporting mental health?
One of the key messages from my presentation was that effective mental health support is not complicated, but it does require empathy, understanding and a person-centred approach. Some of the things that I believe work well include:
- Listening without judgement.
- Matching individuals with professionals they feel comfortable with.
- Recognising that everyone experiences mental health differently.
- Finding the support that works best for the individual.
- Understanding that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach.
Good support starts with listening and recognising that the individual is the expert in their own experiences.
What doesn't work so well?
I also highlighted some common mistakes that can make support less effective or even harmful. These include:
- Dismissing someone's feelings or experiences.
- Assuming professionals always know best.
- Failing to involve individuals in decisions about their care.
- Not listening to what people are actually saying.
- Schools and organisations failing to make reasonable adjustments.
- Telling people to "grow up" or putting words into their mouths.
When people reach out for help, they need to feel heard, respected and believed. Without this foundation, meaningful support becomes much harder to achieve.
Improving mental health services in the West Midlands
During the session, I explored several ways in which mental health services across the West Midlands could be strengthened and improved. Some of the suggestions included:
- Greater investment in digital tools and technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Embedding lived experience into staff training and workforce development.
- Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health.
- Better promotion and marketing of available services.
- Establishing mental health working groups and steering groups.
- Expanding opportunities for co-production and involving people with lived experience in service design.
The people who use services have valuable insights that can help shape better support. Their voices should be at the centre of improvement efforts, not consulted as an afterthought.
What does good support feel like?
One of the most powerful discussions during the session centred on how support actually feels to the person receiving it. Good support can feel like:
- A warm blanket on a cold day.
- Having a safety net when things become difficult.
- Receiving an injection of confidence.
- Someone genuinely cares.
- Most importantly, you are not alone.
When support is done well, it can provide hope, reassurance and the confidence needed to take positive steps forward.
What does bad support feel like?
- Unfortunately, poor support can have the opposite effect. Bad support can feel like:
- Nothing will ever change.
- There is no point attending appointments or sessions.
- Nobody is listening or cares.
- Getting better is a dream rather than a reality.
These feelings can increase isolation and make it harder for individuals to engage with services when they need them most.
Top tips for managing mental health
- I also shared some practical advice that has helped me throughout my own journey:
- Be open to the advice and support available to you.
- Don't push away the people who want to help.
- Try to focus on the positives, even during difficult times.
- Make use of helpful tools and technologies, including AI where appropriate.
- Surround yourself with supportive people.
- Try to get outside and walk regularly.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Remember that you do not have to face challenges alone.
Most importantly, believe that things can and do get better.
Mental health support should be a necessity, not a luxury
One of the strongest messages from my presentation was that mental illness is not enjoyable, easy or something that people choose to experience. It can affect every aspect of someone's life, from their relationships and education to their employment and confidence.
Support for people with mental illness should not be something they have to fight for. It should not be a privilege or an optional extra. It should be recognised as a necessity and a statutory responsibility for organisations supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Reflections
The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session with attendees. It was encouraging to see so many professionals wanting to understand how services can improve and how lived experience can play a greater role in shaping the future of mental health support.
Since the event, I have received some very positive feedback, which has been incredibly rewarding. If sharing my experiences helps even one person feel understood, or encourages one organisation to improve the way it supports people with mental illness, then it has been worthwhile.
Mental health affects us all in different ways, but one thing remains true: nobody should have to face it alone.