登录查看更多内容

How can you safely share your story as a peer support provider?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

As a peer support provider, you have a unique opportunity to use your lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to inspire, empower, and connect with others who are facing similar issues. Sharing your story can be a powerful way to build trust, rapport, and hope with your peers, but it can also expose you to risks, such as retraumatization, stigma, or boundary violations. How can you safely share your story as a peer support provider? Here are some tips to help you navigate this complex and sensitive aspect of your role.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 3 条内容中精选。了解更多

Kristen C.

Peer Support Specialist

1 Know your purpose

Before you decide to share your story, ask yourself why you want to do it and what you hope to achieve. Is it relevant to the peer's situation and goals? Is it appropriate for the setting and the stage of the relationship? Is it helpful or harmful to your own well-being? Sharing your story should always be guided by the principle of mutual benefit, meaning that it should support both your and your peer's recovery process. Avoid sharing your story for your own catharsis, validation, or advice-giving, as this may undermine your peer's autonomy, agency, and dignity.

添加您的观点

Kristen C.

Peer Support Specialist
举报内容
Being mindful of your story is relative to the peers situation or their story of their own is very practical because you don't want to appear as if you had no active listening skills or lack of showing any empathy towards their situation if you had told a peer something that contributed to your life story that was erelevant to what emotions, triggers, fears, anxieties that they may be experiencing at that moment in time, by that being said the peer may not trust support services as much and may hinder our abilities to rebuild a relationship with the peer if ever they sought out treatment elsewhere.

已翻译

赞

2 Know your audience

Another factor to consider before sharing your story is who you are sharing it with and how they might react. Different audiences may have different expectations, needs, and preferences when it comes to hearing your story. For example, some peers may want to hear more details and emotions, while others may prefer a more general and positive overview. Some peers may relate to your story and feel inspired, while others may feel triggered, intimidated, or alienated. Some peers may respect your confidentiality and boundaries, while others may gossip, judge, or exploit your vulnerability. Be mindful of how your story may affect your audience and adjust your content, tone, and delivery accordingly.

添加您的观点

3 Know your limits

Sharing your story can be emotionally draining, especially if you have to repeat it often or deal with negative feedback. It can also bring up unresolved trauma, guilt, shame, or anger that may affect your mental health and stability. Therefore, it is important to know your limits and respect them. Set clear boundaries on what you are willing and able to share, and what you prefer to keep private. Use discretion and caution when sharing sensitive or controversial information, such as diagnosis, medication, or hospitalization. Seek support and supervision from your peers, colleagues, or mentors if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or conflicted by sharing your story. And remember, you have the right to say no or stop sharing at any time if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

添加您的观点

Kristen C.

Peer Support Specialist
举报内容
I have received unconstructive criticism from only one person of which was trying to lead those I've shared my story with socially online, to believe as if I was a false prophet. ?? MY emotions rose to hurt, anger, then the feelings developed to want to get even with the person and respond in the same crude mannor as they had. But instead I saught out advise from others, and chose to ignore the context, and the pretense of what this person was saying to place a character assasination against me, why stoop to their level? Brushing it off my shoulders and had not let it weigh me down to be able to move forward mentally in a positive way during my current crisis situation of having my son in the hospital since 7/10/2023 due to a Severe TBI DAI

已翻译

赞

4 Know your strengths

Sharing your story can also be empowering, rewarding, and healing for you and your peers. It can help you recognize your strengths, achievements, and resilience in overcoming challenges and pursuing recovery. It can help you connect with your peers on a deeper and more authentic level, and create a sense of belonging and solidarity. It can help you express your values, beliefs, and perspectives, and challenge stigma and stereotypes. It can help you inspire hope, confidence, and optimism in yourself and your peers, and encourage them to share their own stories. Therefore, celebrate and embrace your strengths and the positive impact of your story on yourself and others.

添加您的观点

Kristen C.

Peer Support Specialist
举报内容
I've always been so overly critical of myself and my I say "non" achievements because I have felt that by utilizing every nook and cranny, I still havnt achieved success because I am not there physically in the workforce area yet. Once I establish a clientele then I may not be so harsh to judge whether or not I've succeeded or not on peer support services for others as of had I received.

已翻译

赞

5 Know your resources

Finally, sharing your story is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires preparation, practice, and feedback. You may want to refine, update, or change your story over time as you learn new things, gain new insights, or face new situations. You may also want to explore different ways of sharing your story, such as writing, speaking, or art. To help you with this process, you can access various resources that can support you in developing and delivering your story effectively and safely. For example, you can use tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or the Intentional Peer Support (IPS) framework to guide you in identifying and articulating your recovery goals, values, and strategies. You can also seek training, coaching, or mentoring from other peer support providers or organizations that can help you improve your communication, presentation, and self-care skills.

Sharing your story as a peer support provider can be a rewarding and challenging experience that can enhance your role and impact. By following these tips, you can share your story safely and effectively with your peers and contribute to their and your own recovery journey.

添加您的观点

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Peer Support

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

How can you safely share your story as a peer support provider?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your purpose

2 Know your audience

3 Know your limits

4 Know your strengths

5 Know your resources

6 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Peer Support相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

How can you safely share your story as a peer support provider?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your purpose

2 Know your audience

3 Know your limits

4 Know your strengths

5 Know your resources

6 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能