What might the scholarly community of psychiatry researchers learn when they actively listen to people afflicted by mental illness? This initiative focuses on the role that listening plays in science communication, by seeking routes to share first-hand accounts of people living with mental illnesses. Through a new section in the SA Journal of Psychiatry, a platform is offered for more diverse perspectives and narratives on experiences of mental illness. This has the potential to address biases in understanding and treating mental illness, more so in marginalised communities and cultures. By centring listening as practice and research, scholars can broaden and deepen their understanding of the complexities of mental health on the human condition, offering enriched scholarly dialogues.
Co-investigators: Prof Laila Asmal and Prof Mehita Iqani