As a peer support worker, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest developments and research in mental health. You want to provide the best possible support and guidance to your clients, colleagues, and yourself. But how do you stay informed about mental health trends in a fast-changing and complex field? Here are some tips and resources to help you.
One of the easiest ways to stay informed about mental health trends is to follow reputable sources that publish reliable and evidence-based information. These can include professional associations, government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations that specialize in mental health. For example, you can check out the websites and newsletters of the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organization, and Mental Health America. You can also subscribe to journals and magazines that cover mental health topics, such as Psychiatric Services, Psychology Today, and The Lancet Psychiatry.
Another way to stay informed about mental health trends is to join online communities that foster peer learning and exchange. These can include forums, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and social media platforms that cater to peer support workers and mental health professionals. For example, you can join the Peer Support Network, the Peer Support Workers Facebook Group, the Peer Support Talk Podcast, and the Peer Support Webinar Series. You can also follow hashtags and accounts that share mental health news and insights, such as #MentalHealthMatters, #PeerSupport, and @NAMICommunicate.
A third way to stay informed about mental health trends is to attend events and trainings that offer opportunities to network, learn, and update your skills. These can include conferences, workshops, courses, and seminars that focus on mental health issues and peer support practices. For example, you can attend the Annual Alternatives Conference, the International Association of Peer Supporters Conference, the Mental Health First Aid Course, and the Peer Specialist Training Program. You can also look for local and regional events and trainings that are relevant to your interests and needs.
A fourth way to stay informed about mental health trends is to seek feedback and supervision from your peers, supervisors, and mentors. These can provide you with valuable insights, perspectives, and advice on how to improve your peer support work and cope with the challenges and changes in the field. For example, you can participate in peer supervision groups, peer mentoring programs, peer coaching sessions, and peer evaluation processes. You can also ask for feedback and supervision from your clients, colleagues, and managers.
A fifth way to stay informed about mental health trends is to engage in self-care and reflection. These can help you to maintain your well-being, resilience, and motivation as a peer support worker. They can also help you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and learning needs. For example, you can practice mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and exercise. You can also keep a journal, a portfolio, or a personal development plan that tracks your progress and achievements.