Phoebe Kingston
Curtin University, Australia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
The well intended focus on social recovery in mental health services in Australia is failing to provide happiness and wellbeing for service-users due to the model�s neglect of collective structural causes of distress in our society. The social recovery model diminishes issues of social inequality and injustice, taking the approach of individualisation. This approach of focusing on the individual in such a way comes at the expense of recognising socioeconomic and political problems and their contribution to the consumer�s experience of isolation and distress. How is meaningful social engagement achieved in communities where service-user�s experience prejudice and are actively stigmatised and discriminated against? Consumers wanting to achieve genuine active citizenship require society to be understanding and accepting. Many service-users are forced to decide between remaining in isolation or concealing their lived experience in order to be welcomed into the communities they wish to join. Neither choice creates authentic happiness and wellbeing, therefore there�s no genuine choice. Changing society requires altering public perceptions and providing new community experiences, perhaps this is more a political endeavour outside the scope of the mental health system. Perhaps the precursor to society�s evolution to acceptance and true diversity is for mental health services to focus more on personal recovery models in which service-users are supported to identify their strengths, skills, aspirations and dreams. Taking a strengths-based approach would increase self-confidence, selfesteem, empowerment and self-mastery and therefore, happiness and wellbeing. This self-development provides better tools -equipping consumers to create meaningful social engagement, citizenship and relationships. If we have inner-strength and conviction to confront harmful stereotypes, displaying pride in who we are, perhaps we�ll be part of the solution. Ultimately, we may create a truly integrated society that scores higher on happiness/wellbeing indexes. What does social inclusion look like and why will it make us happy?
Phoebe Kingston is a Mental Health professional with lived experience working in several roles across the sector (including; advocacy, advisory, consultancy, board/management committee positions, non-profits and professional speaking). She has presented at the WA State Mental Health Conference and the National Australian Mental Health Services Conference. Following this, she was invited to guest lecture occupational therapy students at Curtin University. Her journey to a Consumer Academic saw her recently graduate from Australia’s first ever tertiary lived experience educator unit through Curtin University’s School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work. She has been involved in innovative projects in Western Australia; including the Police and Mental Health Co-Response trial, the WAAMH IMPACT project and sat on the New MH Act 2014 implementation group. She has a range of knowledge, involvement and experience in both the public and private sector and seeks opportunities to discuss her learning, critical thinking on consumer academia, and experiences to broader audiences.
E-mail: phoebe_kingston@yahoo.com.au
