Supporting the sharing of lived and living experience in the mental health workplace: Findings from research conducted at two Victorian mental health services

The experiences of mental health service staff with their own mental health challenges have historically been a taboo topic for discussion in their workplaces. Growth in designated Lived Experience roles, however, has caused some to question why staff in other roles (e.g., clinicians, support workers) don’t share these experiences. Is it that staff outside of Lived Experience roles don’t experience mental health challenges? Or are there barriers to the safe sharing of lived experience? This research aimed to find out by exploring the perspectives and experiences of mental health service staff at two Victorian mental health services.