Sharing consumer voices: mental health tips and advice for recovery

When it comes to mental health recovery, lived experience is invaluable. That’s why we’re sharing consumer voices, and their mental health tips for recovery, as part of our four-part Mental Health Month celebrations.

As people living with a serious mental illness, consumers across our services know how important mental wellbeing is—because they know what it’s like to experience ill mental health.

At Forensicare, we champion not only the voices of consumers in our services—we champion the value of their lived experience, too. And if these mental health tips can even help one person breathe easier—particularly during the challenges of Melbourne’s lockdown—we have succeeded.

Here are the voices from our consumers

When I feel like I’m struggling with my mental health, I:

• Listen to music
• Write music
• Train
• Rap
• Watch TV

My tip: talk about your issues with people, and do things to take your mind off of it.

When I feel like I’m struggling with my mental health, I:

• Listen to music
• Go boxing
• Go for a walk
• Practice mindfulness

My tip: Remember nothing lasts forever–relax.

When I feel like I’m struggling with my mental health, I:

• Listen to music
• Talk about it
• Go for a walk or train
• Breathe
• Stay in my room
• Do something to take my mind off of it

When I feel like I’m struggling with my mental health, I:

• Listen to music
• Go running or walking
• Spend some time alone
• Meditate and breathe

My tip: if you are struggling right now, don’t be afraid to see someone to get help.

When I feel like I’m struggling with my mental health, I:

• Listen to music
• Colour in
• Talk to someone
• Practice mindfulness
• Go to my safe place
• Ride the wave

My tip: I didn’t know how to deal with mental health and didn’t know there was support out there. Go to your GP. Go to the hospital. Talk to a doctor or mental health nurse. You can get help.

When I feel like I’m struggling with my mental health, I:

• Watch TV and try to concentrate on it
• Lay in bed
• Sleep it off
• Listen to music. My kind of music.

My tip: Be strong. You are meant for greater things.

Need support?

You’re not alone. Life is extra challenging right now, and it’s okay to not be okay.

Lifeline: 13 14 11

Carers Australia: 1800 242 636

Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800