How do you manage the boundaries and expectations of volunteer mental health supporters?

1 Know your scope of practice

As a volunteer mental health supporter, you are not a professional therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. You are not qualified to diagnose, treat, or prescribe medication for mental health conditions. Your role is to provide emotional support, active listening, empathy, and encouragement to people who reach out to you. You should always refer people who need more specialized or intensive care to appropriate resources, such as crisis lines, online platforms, or local services. You should also avoid giving advice, opinions, or judgments that may influence the decisions or actions of the people you support.

2 Set clear boundaries

Boundaries are the limits and rules that you establish to protect your own well-being and respect the needs and preferences of the people you support. Boundaries can include things like how often, when, and how long you are available to provide support, what topics or situations you are comfortable or not comfortable with, and how you handle confidentiality and privacy. You should communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully to the people you support, and also respect their boundaries. You should also be prepared to say no or end a conversation if you feel that your boundaries are being crossed or violated.

3 Manage your expectations

Expectations are the beliefs and assumptions that you have about yourself, the people you support, and the outcomes of your support. Expectations can be helpful or harmful, depending on how realistic, flexible, and compassionate they are. You should avoid having unrealistic or rigid expectations, such as expecting to solve everyone's problems, to always feel positive and confident, or to see immediate or dramatic changes in the people you support. You should also avoid having negative or self-critical expectations, such as expecting to fail, to make mistakes, or to disappoint others. Instead, you should have realistic and compassionate expectations, such as expecting to do your best, to learn and grow, and to make a difference in someone's life.

4 Practice self-care

Self-care is the act of taking care of your own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Self-care is essential for volunteer mental health supporters, as it helps you cope with stress, prevent burnout, and maintain your health and happiness. Self-care can include things like getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, relaxing, meditating, having hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and seeking support when you need it. You should make self-care a priority and a habit, and not feel guilty or selfish for doing so.

5 Seek supervision and feedback

Supervision and feedback are the processes of getting guidance, support, and evaluation from someone who has more experience or expertise in volunteer mental health support. Supervision and feedback can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and confidence, as well as identify and address any issues or challenges that you face. You should seek supervision and feedback regularly and proactively, and be open and receptive to constructive criticism and suggestions. You should also seek positive feedback and recognition for your achievements and contributions.

6 Join a community of peers

A community of peers is a group of people who share similar experiences, interests, and goals as volunteer mental health supporters. A community of peers can provide you with social support, emotional connection, mutual learning, and collaboration. You can join a community of peers online or offline, through platforms, networks, organizations, or events that are relevant to volunteer mental health support. You can also create your own community of peers by inviting or connecting with other volunteers who you know or meet. You should participate actively and respectfully in your community of peers, and offer and receive help, advice, and encouragement.