How do you overcome peer support stigma?

I think peer support stigma happens because sometimes as a professional, there are ideas of feeling not worthy, or capable of being successful in our chosen work field. We need to walk as one, and provide one another with the support that is needed. Everyone can benefit from shared knowledge.

Irrespective of the source of stigma, we must recognize that it exists and welcome it. The stigma of mental health challenges, plays an enormous role in people’s symptoms and how they deal with them. Stigma most often stops people with mental health challenges from opening up about their health because of fear. Therefore peer support becomes crucial in people’s recovery by providing a safe environment to talk about their mental health issues.

Anyone in the mental health space that has pure motives, a high skill level and their ego in check, isn’t bothered by any type of stigma. We must all ‘practice what we preach’ and peer support is the perfect example.

Metaphorically speaking in the USA , my evidence-based experiences was my dad a WWII veteran returned home UNDERSERVED, all throughout his and our lifetime like all veterans and their families as ACOA we continue to live through STIGMA , in the negative messages from the outside created negative self talk inside of me. In another words the ABUSE from the outside infiltrated and paralyzed my thought process. WHAT RECOVERY LOOKS LIKE TO ME IS THAT NOW I AM A CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST MENTAL HEALTH. Thank you Dad for showing me how to be resilient and responsible for my recovery process. My mess was a message for me to empower and be a voice for the Underserved Stigmatized and Abused in the USA. Donald Gunther CPS-MH

As with all options, the priority is to the person requiring support gaining a benefit. Whether peer support is utilised as an ‘echo board’ or for actual support, it’s an option if someone needs help.

Educate, Equip, Engage and Empower has provided me an opportunity to break the generational silence that has suppressed, repressed and depressed many like ME who have suffered from mental anguish and due to abject poverty there was no insurance only God’s reassurance. Therefore, no diagnosis so an illness goes undetected or should I say what causes the disease ( beneath the surface) you might find the triggers such as underrepresented , stigma and abuse. So, I uncomfortably became comfortable by addressing the MIC ?? ( mental illness condition)

The best peer support counselor is someone who listens patiently without judgment. People just want to be heard people want a safe place to share their innermost feelings and fears. Peer support fosters such a relationship.

Training is critical here. There are many ways to make sure you’re a competent and effective peer supporter. It’s not just about being a empathetic listener. You should still have some form of training.

Build a team that will allow you to be true self ? Since we have battled with codependency and did not understand the consequences of caretaking and enabling those unmet needs as a child introduced us into our adverse childhood experiences (A.C.E’s) , we travel into adulthood only to obtain a Post Trauma Stress Disorder degree. Now we know our A.C.E.P.T.S.D.... This will be the time that we must process our pains and make what was perceived to be a mess into message . So boundaries everyone staying in their lane the clients and or participants, counselors, sponsors , coaches & certified peer specialists. Compassion Empathy and Understanding the real CEU’S ??

There is no better way to motivate others than to walk the same path. It builds an empathic bond ("we are in this together") and motivates others to follow our lead ("I did it and you can too"). Our experiences (both good and bad) become a reality-based teaching model that demonstrates a) how overcoming the stigma is freeing, b) that peer support relieves stress while growing our knowledge base, and c) that a support network radically enhances our potential for achievement.

Absolutely, you've hit the nail on the head here. Building trust and rapport is foundational, especially when tackling stigma or supporting peers. Being authentic and honest in our communication and respecting each individual's unique journey, is paramount. Active, empathetic listening fosters a deep connection, while sharing our own experiences can create relatability. Remembering to honor boundaries and provide positive support and encouragement solidifies these relationships. Innovation often starts with strong, empathetic bonds among team members, and your approach embodies that spirit.

There should not be any stigma, people are equal. Don’t validate or seek reassurance about your practice. You can provide education about the benefits of peer support or ask people to jump on google. Ask yourself these questions Am I awesome? Am I valued ? Am I doing something good ? If the answer is YES then walk away knowing peer work practice is awesome & know you are doing to best you can.