Lived experience reflections relating to Welfare and Social Services

"Often in welfare circles people who have a severe or complex mental illness do not have their condition taken seriously and far too much is expected from them. Welfare can often be a very stressful and anxiety-provoking experience for people with a severe or complex mental illness, when they need to prove that they are too unwell to work, for example. Comments and suggestions made by some welfare workers are very stigmatising and unhelpful, which at times just makes people feel like giving up on everything. Some people have been left quite traumatised having to relive their ill health from the past." 

– Matthew Dale, SANE Australia Peer Ambassador