Why People with Lived Experience Must Lead Mental Health System Change

Explore the transformative power of lived experience in mental health systems through this TEDx talk by Katie Larsen. Discover how Western approaches often medicalize and stigmatize distress, and learn about alternative, lived experience-led methods that prioritize collective wisdom, social justice, and relational healing. Understand the potential of these radical yet deeply human approaches to revolutionize mental health care, centering connection, compassion, and trust. Delve into Larsen's personal journey and academic research, examining the importance of intersectionality, power, and privilege in driving meaningful change in mental health leadership and decision-making. Gain insights into the limitations of clinical approaches and the value of centering community-based solutions grounded in survival, resilience, and resistance stories.

Introduction
Current approaches
What if
Fear
Travel
Turning point
Should everyone go through crisis
Living experienceled approaches
What they offer
The Clinical Ceiling
Conclusion