There is no better form of encouragement for an individual dealing with a mental health issue than receiving support from a person who has undergone a similar experience. Peer support is based on the premise that we can help one another through difficult times.
It may take different forms, but its practical guidance approach has proven effective in helping people achieve better mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
Here are the top six benefits of peer support.
1. Rebuilds Social Connections
Battling with mental health problems can leave you with a low sense of self-worth and feelings of isolation. Through peer support, you find the space to share your struggles, get non-judgmental feedback and validation for your experiences, and in turn, offer validation to others. Such spaces of acceptance and understanding help you to rebuild your self-esteem and social confidence.
2. Learning From Mentors
Peer support may include meeting someone facing similar challenges and in recovery or a group of people in different phases of recovery. These individuals are best-placed to help you identify your goals and provide practical guidance on how to achieve them. Learning from people who have walked in your shoes and made strides in their recovery journey can also give you hope that you too can overcome your challenges.
3. Connection to Valuable Resources
Drawing lessons from their journey, peer specialists can connect you to concrete resources that will help you succeed in recovery. The resources may include finding the best therapist in your local area or educating you on how to get the information you need from your healthcare providers.
Peers can also help you learn how to advocate for your rights and the best ways to change policies in systems that affect you to increase access to the resources and services you need.
4. Keeps You Committed to Treatment
With access to support and positive social interactions, your chances of sticking to your treatment program and experiencing increased satisfaction with your treatment improve significantly.
5. Provides a Sense of Accountability
Whether it’s through a one-on-one or a group setting, peer support encourages you to be more accountable for your recovery goals. The social pressure also keeps you motivated to achieve the best life for yourself as you watch other peers achieve the same goals.
6. Provides Relief for Your Family
Finding support from like-minded people takes the burden off your family members and friends who may feel responsible for keeping you motivated to stay on the recovery path. Since they may not understand what you are going through, they will feel relieved that you’re getting the support and encouragement you need to recover.
Contact B.E.S.T for Quality Peer Support Services
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health illness, B.E.S.T is the right place to get the quality peer support services you need to manage the condition. Our peer support specialists are committed to utilizing relevant resources and their experiences to set you on a path to full recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.