How can you address emotional challenges as a peer supporter?

Agreeing with the importance of recognizing signs of emotional challenges as a peer supporter, it's crucial to be attuned to our own well-being. These signs, like irritability, anxiety, physical symptoms, and loss of interest or motivation, signify the need for self-care. Seeking help is not a weakness but a commitment to being a better support system. By acknowledging our own emotional distress and practicing self-compassion, we can lead by example and become more effective peer supporters.

I agree that this is the most important and first step. I'm really grateful for MHFA course and the book "Own your awkward" by Michele Morgan because they gave me a very good perspective of what you should know to support others on their mental health journey even if you are not a mental health professional. But the most important thing indeed is that you should look after yourself too.

Setting boundaries can be hard and tricky sometimes. This is a process and it doesn't have to be perfect but we should aim to know what our limits are and set the boundaries when needed. First we should start with setting boundaries for ourself. This can be a rule to not work after 6pm or to say "no" when we need rest.

Setting boundaries is essential for peer supporters. It involves defining your capabilities, time, and energy for support, respecting others' boundaries, and avoiding over commitment and role confusion. This practice safeguards your well-being, identity, autonomy, and balance.

Promote self-care and coping strategies. To effectively support peers with emotional challenges, it's crucial to prioritize your own self-care. This involves tending to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Adopt practices like ensuring sufficient sleep, rest, and nourishment. Engage in physical activities, relaxation, and meditation. Express yourself creatively or through humor and art. Seek out social support, counseling, or therapy when needed. Explore new skills, hobbies, and interests, and participate in spiritual or cultural activities. Prioritizing self-care and coping skills enhances resilience, well-being, and recovery.

I want to add gardening as a very common used coping skill because it helps with physical activity and mindfulness. Also everything can be labeled as a self-care practise as long as it is good for you in long term, it doesn't harm your health and gives you joy and sense of calmness.

Obtain guidance through supervision and feedback. As a peer supporter, it's vital to seek input and mentoring from a professional supervisor, peer supervisor, or support network. This process allows for self-reflection on experiences, strengths, and areas for growth. Learning from both successes and challenges, gaining fresh perspectives, and receiving validation and encouragement are crucial benefits. Additionally, it aids in identifying and addressing ethical or professional concerns. Seeking supervision and feedback enhances your skills, confidence, and overall satisfaction as a peer supporter.

Utilize resources and training. To effectively address emotional challenges as a peer supporter, accessing relevant materials and training is vital. Explore books, articles, websites, podcasts, videos, or online courses covering peer support principles, communication, empathy, recovery models, trauma-informed practices, self-advocacy, crisis intervention, and more. This empowers you to stay informed, inspired, and continually enhance your knowledge and skills in peer support.