Eleanor is a Psychology student and Lived Experience Professional working as a Peer Support Worker on a CAMHS ward and a Patient Representative for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Eleanor is passionate about using her lived experience of neurodivergence, mental illness and iatrogenic harm to improve service development and provision, particularly concerning the use of restrictive practice and ‘positive risk-taking’ on psychiatric wards.

• Eleanor's journey through mental illness.
• Understanding the difference between mental health and mental illness.
• The impact of misdiagnosis - in Eleanor's case, Autism and ADHD, which were misdiagnosed as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
• The role of neurodiversity in Eleanor's experience.
• Navigating mental health practices including restrictive practice and positive risk-taking and how this needs to be managed to avoid neglect.
• Eleanor's reflections on her care and how this impacted her recovery.
• The importance of healthcare professionals understanding the difference between their own and their illnesses' voices.
• The current challenges in mental health care including limited resources, funding, staff numbers and education.
• The role of lived experience and co-production in mental health care improvements.

To learn more about Eleanor, you can follow Eleanor on Twitter (@goodmorningels) or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Please note that this podcast explores topics (including eating disorders, self-harm and restrictive practice) that some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone you trust. You may also wish to contact your GP or mental health professional.

We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them:

Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email [email protected].

Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).