How can you use peer support to reduce stigma around mental health?

1 What is peer support?

Peer support is a form of mutual aid, where people who share similar experiences of mental health issues provide emotional, social, and practical support to each other. Peer support can take place in different settings, such as groups, online platforms, or one-to-one sessions. Peer support is based on the principles of respect, trust, empathy, and empowerment. Peer support can help people cope with their mental health challenges, learn from each other, and access resources and services.

2 How does peer support reduce stigma?

Peer support can reduce stigma in several ways. First, peer support can challenge the negative stereotypes and misconceptions that often surround mental health issues, by showing that people with mental health challenges can be resilient, capable, and valuable members of society. Second, peer support can foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, by creating a safe and supportive space where people can share their stories, feelings, and struggles without fear of judgment or rejection. Third, peer support can enhance self-esteem and self-confidence, by encouraging people to recognize their strengths, skills, and achievements, and to pursue their goals and aspirations.

3 How can you use peer support for yourself?

If you are living with a mental health challenge, you can benefit from peer support in many ways. You can seek out peer support groups or programs in your community or online, where you can connect with people who understand what you are going through and offer you support and advice. You can also reach out to individual peers who have similar experiences or interests as you, and build meaningful and trusting relationships. You can use peer support to learn coping strategies, access resources, and explore your identity and values. You can also use peer support to advocate for your rights and needs, and to challenge stigma and discrimination.

4 How can you use peer support for others?

If you have lived experience of mental health challenges, you can use your knowledge and skills to offer peer support to others who are facing similar issues. You can become a peer supporter by volunteering or working in peer support programs or organizations, or by informally helping your friends, family, or colleagues. You can use your peer support role to listen to others, share your own story, offer guidance and encouragement, and refer them to other services if needed. You can also use your peer support role to raise awareness and educate others about mental health issues, and to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

5 What are the benefits of peer support?

Peer support can have numerous advantages for both the peer supporters and the peer recipients, including improved mental health outcomes, increased social support, greater empowerment, personal growth, and civic engagement. For instance, peer support can reduce symptoms, increase coping, reduce isolation, and improve communication. It can also increase self-efficacy, self-determination, and self-advocacy. Furthermore, it can lead to greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion as well as increased participation, contribution, and leadership.

6 What are the challenges of peer support?

Peer support can have some challenges, both for the peer supporters and the peer recipients. These challenges include role confusion, such as unclear boundaries, expectations, and responsibilities; role conflict, such as competing or conflicting demands, values, or interests; role stress, such as emotional distress, burnout, or compassion fatigue; role discrimination, such as stigma, prejudice, or exclusion from other professionals or services; and role development issues such as lack of training, supervision, or recognition.

7 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?