Services for people with mental health issues are expanding worldwide to serve those in need better. Treatment strategies employed include psychiatric treatment, counseling, and peer support.
Peer support in mental health refers to the practice of individuals with lived experience of mental health providing support and assistance to others going through similar experiences.
It is becoming more widely accepted that peer support is integral to mental health care. This is because peer support can give a fresh perspective and a sense of belonging.
Individuals with mental health issues who receive peer support report fewer instances of isolation and loneliness, higher levels of self-esteem, and a greater sense of agency. In addition, it’s crucial to the recovery process since it promotes self-awareness and the development of coping mechanisms.
For instance, on the road to sobriety, peer support has been proven to help in recovery. Individuals undergoing addiction treatment use group sessions to share and discuss their experiences. This is by engaging peers who have achieved long-term sobriety to assist those just starting.
Peer support is not a substitute for other mental health services psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists provide. Yet, it is frequently used in collaboration with other mental health therapies, helping individuals to live productive lives and manage mental health difficulties.
Peer support aims to support people on issues they consider essential to their lives. Peer support exists for a wide range of mental health conditions. They include; depression, addiction, and anxiety, among many others.
PDO Kenya is a mental health organization that understands the role of peer support in mental health. Our Pepea support group is made up of young people who have a lived experience of mental health. They can uniquely connect and relate with individuals going through a challenging time. The group members are trained as lay service providers to assist those in distress with lay services or referral to PDO. The group membership is open to all clients at PDO and Nawiri.
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