Lived Experience Forum

[one]

I am a teacher and have been advised by the Education Department not to write blogs, (with my name included) or create informative video clips about having bipolar disorder. Has anyone had a similar experience and is it legal or fair? I feel it contributes to creating more stigma around mental illness..

[Surfbird]

Hi one

this made me angry, I wouldn't think it was legal, I doubt it. If you can share or blog about it, it's a great resource and the education departments attitude is ancient and contributing to the stigma around mental illness. They should be getting u to talk to students about it rather than hiding it like a dirty secret. Argh 

[Ma60]

I was advised by my company not to say who I worked for. This is a organisation heavily committed to NDIS. I often wonder if that don’t want a person with a disability working for them how can they offer non judgemental support to their clients. 

[one]

Yes. I have offered quite a few times to speak to my students (high school) about it and have a mental health professional be a part of the forum. They have declined every time I’ve suggested it.

[one]

It seems contradictory. Being asked to hide the fact that you have a mental illness makes it feel more shameful.

[one]

I like making short films , I teach Media Production, and I want to create my own YouTube channel on bipolar (lived experience reflections and advice).