People Like You
In this section of the website, we showcase the stories of a diverse range of real New Zealanders with experience of mental illness.
Research has consistently shown that one of the most effective strategies in countering stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness is ‘contact', or meaningful interaction between people with experience of mental illness and those without. In this way, myths and stereotypes about mental illness can be broken down, resulting in less fear and anxiety around mental illness and those who experience it.
For those who experience mental illness, sharing their experiences and listening to the stories of others with experience of mental illness can be an important step on the road to recovery, helping to counter self-stigma (as shown in the Like Minds, Like Mine research project Fighting Shadows).
We hope you will appreciate the stories shared within these pages.
If you are a person with experience of mental illness and would like to share your story, please get in touch with us by emailing likeminds "at" mentalhealth.org.nz
