Kia Ora, I’m Annabelle. Originally from Germany, I’ve called Aotearoa home for the past 17 years. I currently live in windy Wellington, where I work as a Visual Communication Designer and Marketing Manager, while also pursuing my Master’s thesis. Outside of work, I love to fill my time with dancing salsa, watching sunsets, picking flowers, and anything creative.

In my late teens and early 20s, I went through periods of mental distress, including psychosis. Having unusual experiences is really tough, but I wouldn’t be the positive, resilient person I am today without the experiences of the past and the work I have put into turning those vicious cycles into victorious ones. I'm thankful to have had relatively early intervention on my journey, which has no doubt helped in my long-term well-being.

Unfortunately, over the last couple of years, a family member has been having some unusual experiences of their own. Supporting a loved one through psychosis has given me another perspective and shown me how individual everyone’s experiences and subsequent needs are. I advocate for a holistic treatment approach that protects the autonomy of the person experiencing psychosis and includes whānau along the journey.

I'm excited to join the NZEIPS executive team in the lived experience role and hope my contribution will provide valuable insights.