Naomi Simpson-Kitt The National Suicide Prevention Conference 2024

Naomi Simpson-Kitt

My name is Naomi, and I've navigated through mental health challenges, among other life experiences. My journey of mental ill health started as a teenager and has fluctuated today this day. Contributing factors were adverse childhood experiences, substance use, becoming a young mother, having 3 children, 2 who live with disability and disordered eating. I have lived experience of my own suicidality and suicide bereavement. I have never liked the word recovery however it does sum up my journey from living with mental health challenges. The journey has taken me up and down, near and far; through the help of family, clinical support, medication and learning new ways to live with my mental health diagnosis. Due to my lived experience, I became passionate about supporting others wherever they may be on their journey through advocacy and self-determination. My approach is to instill hope and safe holding space for others. I am lucky to now be a Senior Lived Experience Worker who now supports other peer workers in their roles and journey’s.