Psychiatry and Me: perspectives on the mind

Elizabeth will explore the perspectives of children and young people and their parents/guardians living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Particularly, she will reflect on how this may impact young people’s experiences of education, and what this may mean for the support strategies educators can adopt. This is informed by data collected as part of my PhD project, and hopes to utilise lived-experiences to convey how OCD is so much more than how it is often portrayed in the media

How does the social world shape our experience of threats from others? Threat beliefs are common in psychosis but are also widespread in society. Kirsten's research compares perceptions of harm from supernatural beings (demons) in an Evangelical church with interpersonal threats in peer support groups for paranoia. She will present the key experiential themes from interviews and observations to highlight the similarities and differences in how these threats are perceived and interpreted.

In this talk, we will explore how women with ADHD experience the world differently—and how these differences can be a source of strength and success. You will learn how ADHD can shape positive relationships, foster a sense of identity, and drive rewarding experiences, and pose some challenges. We’ll also unpack common myths about ADHD and discuss how society can better support women by understanding and embracing their unique perspectives.