Embracing the Journey as a Mental Health Peer Supporter: Guiding the Way to Wellness

In a world often shrouded in the shadows of silent struggles, the pivotal role of mental health peer support and mental health first aid cannot be overstated. Having battled my own bouts of anxiety, disconnection, and moments of despair, I've witnessed firsthand the isolation that these challenges can impose. It's not merely a role, but a lifeline, that led me to become a mental health peer supporter, mental health first aider, mental health keynote speaker and corporate wellbeing speaker.

What are Mental Health Peer Supporters and Mental Health First Aiders?

Mental health peer supporters are beacons of empathy who extend compassionate guidance to those treading similar paths. Their personal experiences forge a connection that conventional support might overlook. This bond of empathy allows them to navigate the intricacies of mental health with a heart attuned to understanding.

There's a range of peer support forms, each designed to:

Bring together kindred spirits to nurture mutual support.
Cultivate an environment of acceptance and understanding.
Give equal importance to everyone's experiences.
Foster the exchange of both giving and receiving support.

In peer support, everyone's views and experiences are equally valued, rather than anyone being seen as more of an expert than others. How much support you give and receive can vary depending on what feels right for you at different times. As a peer supporter, I take action to raise awareness of mental health and challenge stigma. Stigma is when we make assumptions about how a mental health problem will affect someone's behaviour. In turn, this makes it more likely that they will be labelled as different, strange, or even dangerous. I also help those who are experiencing mental health problems by signposting them to appropriate support services, both within and outside of my workplace.

Mental health first aiders are the first line of defence in recognising and responding to signs of mental distress. Similar to physical first aid, these individuals are trained to identify symptoms, provide initial support, and guide individuals towards professional help if needed. Their role is vital in creating a safe and supportive environment, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Benefits of Mental Health Peer Support?

Lots of people find peer support improves their well-being and helps them cope with mental health problems. For example, it could:

help people to open up about what they are feeling and experiencing
introduce people to ideas and approaches that others have found helpful
reassure people that they're not alone in how they are feeling
help people to connect with others and give them a sense of belonging
encourage people to value their strengths
build each other's self-esteem and confidence
help people to feel more hopeful about the future.

Mental Health Peer support can be helpful on its own, or it can be something that can be tried alongside treatments like talking therapies or medication. It can also be a helpful way of getting support if someone is on a waiting list for one of these treatments. Mental health peer support empowers individuals to take control of their mental well-being.

Mental health peer support has been shown to positively impact recovery and resilience. A study published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders" found that peer support interventions led to improved quality of life, reduced symptom severity, and increased adaptive coping strategies among participants with mood disorders.

Why are mental health peer supporters and mental health first aiders needed right now?

The world is currently facing a mental health crisis, with the need for mental health peer support becoming more crucial than ever. The advantages of mental health peer support are well-documented and supported by scientific evidence.

Addressing the Rising Mental Health Crisis: Mental health issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. According to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to pandemic-related stress.
Reducing Stigma and Promoting Open Conversations: Mental health peer support plays a significant role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health. A study published in the journal "Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology" found that peer-support interventions were effective in reducing stigma and increasing mental health knowledge.
Personalised and Relatable Support: Peers who have experienced similar struggles can provide relatable and personalised support that traditional healthcare professionals might not fully understand. A study published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychology" demonstrated that peer support leads to increased feelings of validation, empowerment, and hope among participants.
Cost-Effective Approach during the Cost of Living crisis: Mind Charity has released statistics that the Mental health of half (48%) of people in England and Wales is negatively affected by the financial impact of the cost-of-living crisis, rising to nearly three-quarters (73%) for those with existing mental health problems. Over half (56%) of those who said they’ve been negatively affected say it’s made them more anxious. Yet over half (54%) haven't accessed mental health support from a GP and two-thirds (66%) haven’t accessed online information resources. Mental health peer support is a cost-effective approach to improving mental well-being. Research published in the "Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics" indicated that peer support services have the potential to reduce healthcare costs and utilization by promoting early intervention and preventing relapses.

A Personal Journey of Resilience and Empathy - why I Became a mental health peer supporter

As someone who has walked the path of mental health struggles, I've come to realise that our experiences can serve as powerful tools for helping others. My battles with anxiety, disconnection, and moments of despair have shaped my perspective and ignited a mission to inspire resilience and understanding. By incorporating the "5 Ways to Wellbeing" in my outdoor record-breaking adventures, I discovered the strength of combining physical challenges with mental wellness practices. But the urge to do more tugged at me, leading me to embark on the path of a mental health peer supporter. I underwent rigorous training with Mind in Mid Herts, a mental health charity I proudly serve as a trustee. The comprehensive two-day Mental Health Peer Supporter Training course empowered me with:

An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
The ability to spot the signs of ill mental health
Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
Understanding the roles, responsibilities and boundaries of managing mental health in the workplace
An understanding of the knowledge, qualities and skills needed to support someone in distress
The knowledge to support their own wellbeing
The knowledge of national and local signposting options

Beyond being a mental health peer supporter, I have embarked on a journey to share the concept of mental fitness training, similar to physical fitness. This training equips everyday individuals with tools to navigate difficult periods of mental health, fostering resilience and reducing stigma. My goal? To illuminate the importance of mental health causes, nurturing empathy and understanding through mental health speaking engagements and wellbeing workshops.

A Path Towards Empowerment

Mental health peer supporters and mental health first aid play a crucial role in providing the support, understanding, and guidance that individuals facing mental health challenges need. Just as physical health is important, mental health holds equal value, this is a message I carry within all my corporate well-being keynote speaking talks. Through sharing our personal stories, embracing resilience, and engaging in open conversations, we can collectively break down the barriers of stigma and create a more empathetic and supportive society. I share my personal stories as a mental health awareness speaker.

By integrating mental fitness training into my outdoor adventures, I aspire to inspire others to cultivate mental resilience and embrace the power of empathy through encouraging mental health peer support programmes. Together, we can transform the narrative surrounding mental health and empower individuals to embark on their own journeys of well-being and self-discovery.

Embracing the Journey as a Mental Health Peer Supporter: Guiding the Way to Wellness