Peer Support

“Peer specialists bring the essential message of hope that acts as a catalyst for people to begin their journey of recovery.” Paolo del Vecchio, SAMHSA

Peer support has become widely recognized internationally as an evidence based practice within mental health institutions, both as paid workers and volunteers, as well as in the private mental health sector. A peer supporter or peer support specialist is someone with ‘lived experience’ i.e. they have been given a psychiatric diagnosis and have recovered to the extent of being able to guide and offer empathic, non judgemental support to others, as well as realistic hope for recovery.

Unlike the traditional psychologist or counselor, peer supporters share their personal story and do not set themselves up as experts but rather as fellow travelers. This approach is both strengths based and recovery focused. In addition to emotional support, peers may offer practical assistance, e.g. help with writing a C.V., budget planning, transitioning from hospital care to home, as well as connecting people with resources and further support.

Today peer support is the fastest growing occupation in the mental health sector.

Studies done on systems offering peer support show a reduction in hospital admission rates as well as re-admissions (Trachtenberg and colleagues, 2013). One study from the UK found that individuals given a workbook about recovery along with ten sessions of peer support were less likely to be hospitalized compared to those given a workbook without peer support. (The Lancet; August 2018).

“We find that many of us who have used mental health services have been told what we “have,” how “it” will be treated, and how we must think about arranging our lives around this “thing.” We have then begun to see our lives as a series of problems or “symptoms” and we have forgotten that there might be other ways to interpret our experiences” says ‘Intentional Peer Support’ founder, Shery Mead.

Psychiatrist Daniel Fisher speaks about what it is that peers are able to offer, “Having gone through our own suffering, we as peers can offer a way of being in the world which can promote the inner healing essential to recovery from trauma. We are not trying to control the other. We just try to be with them deeply in such a manner that they can regain control of their lives” (Fisher, D.).

Many people who have used mental health services, say they feel infantilized by the very people that are meant to be supporting them. Most importantly the message that is commonly given is one of hopelessness. Giving a hopeful and valid perception to mental health issues, peer supporters are offering a much valued and needed service.