Image
Young woman looking at the camera

Life domains

Through the Our Turn to Speak survey, people living with complex mental health issues shared their experiences of how stigma and discrimination affect them across 14 life domains. 

Life domains refer to key areas of people’s everyday lives that each play a role in the modern human experience. 

For many people, Our Turn to Speak was the first time that they felt they had the opportunity to reflect on and share their experiences in such a holistic way.
 

Relationships

Relationships play an important role in all our lives. Connection with others – whether they be family members, friends or romantic partners – can improve wellbeing and provide support during challenging times.

Employment

Having something meaningful to do is vital for mental health. Being employed can contribute to our sense of purpose and accomplishment.  

Healthcare services

Access to healthcare is critical to supporting physical and mental health and wellbeing. Mental health issues often occur in the context of physical problems. 

Social media

Social media has become an almost ubiquitous part of our lives, helping us to connect with others and the world around us.

Mental healthcare services

Access to supportive mental healthcare is essential. The experiential quality of mental healthcare service access is an important part of the treatment and recovery process.

Mass media

Media portrayals are well known to influence the public’s beliefs about mental health issues.

Welfare and social services

Access to essential health care, shelter and housing, water and sanitation, food and basic education are basic human rights. 

Education and training

Taking part in education and training is crucial to economic, social and cultural participation. 

Financial and insurance services

Banking products are used by many of us, and insurance products allow us to protect our income or to provide for those who rely on us, if we become unwell, injured or die. 

Housing and homelessness services

Having a safe place to call home is a fundamental human right and critical to recovery for those living with complex mental health issues.

Cultural, faith or spiritual practices and communities

For many people, participating in cultural, faith or spiritual practices – either alone or in a community – is a vital part of their identity.

Sports, community groups and volunteering

For many Australians, participating in sports, community groups or volunteering is a way of life.

Public and recreational spaces

Being able to spend time in and move freely through public and recreational spaces is important to social and civic participation.

Legal and justice services

Everyone has a right to be protected from crime, as well as a right to justice when they are a victim of crime.