THE TITLE OF the job listing was as vague as it was long: Senior Policy and Project Officer, System Design Reform, Acute and Community Care (Unit II), Department of Emotional Wellbeing.

I had no expertise in the provision of mental health care and didn’t even know what System Design Reform was, but I was desperate to get out of my toxic job at an arts centre. The bottom of the listing stated: ‘People with Lived and Living experience of the mental health system are strongly encouraged to apply.’ I submitted an application.