1. How did you first become involved in the mental health field?
First I accessed mental health services and then I came back to work in a range of designated lived experience roles, including peer support and systemic advocacy positions. More recently I’ve focused on teaching and research, still using my lived expertise as my primary ‘lens’.
2.Why should people come and listen to your talk at TheMHS Conference?
I think there’s something for everyone. Initially the research I was doing focused on people in designated lived experience roles, but during successive studies we’ve discovered some really interesting things about the experiences of people in management positions, mental health professional roles and corporate roles. The findings of several studies provide some great strategies to potentially improve working conditions for many people across roles and across the sector.
Most importantly, as I mention, I come from an entertainment background and love to flex those muscles. This will be a presentation you won’t want to miss!
3.What’s one thing not many people know about you?
In my previous life I was a playwright, musician and documentary film-maker.
4.Why are you looking forward to coming to Brisbane?
TheMHS is a great chance to connect with a wide range of like-minded folk from a variety of backgrounds – I always come away inspired and with new connections. Queensland in winter is usually gorgeous so that helps!
5.Where can people find out more about your work?
My papers are available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Louise_Byrne2
My TEDx is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01rwdqqaE4g
