I'm getting paid to talk to school groups about what it's been like for me having a mental illness. Secondary school kids who are studying psychology pretty much. I've done two talks; so far so good. The kids have been attentive and some ask insightful questions afterwards. Things like Did Art Therapy help you when you were sick and what would happen if you didn't take your medication. I guess it's a good thing to be able to share with schoolkids about what it feels like to be unwell and to be well; helps debunk some myths hopefully.
I spend a fair bit of time talking about what its like being in hospital and also what was running through my head when I was sick. I'm careful to balance that with how I think when I'm well.
So far, so good; hopefully I can keep doing this regularly and not ever have to go back to soul-destroying office work.
