Peer Support: What is it and How Can it Benefit You?

Many people who are dealing with mental health problems find it helpful to talk to a supportive person who has been through a similar experience themselves and managed to overcome it. Simply knowing that you are not alone and that others have managed to overcome feelings and situations similar to what you are going through right now can be very motivational and inspirational. Peer support work seeks to connect people in need of support and to help peers who are willing to provide a listening ear. So, how exactly can peer support be beneficial to you?

Support When You Need It

Peer support is often easier than getting professional help from a counselor or doctor. While it should not be used as a substitute for professional therapy, peer support can be very useful to those who need support quickly. If you are currently on a waiting list for a therapist or are waiting for an appointment with your doctor to discuss your mental health, a peer support specialist, or even a friend, can help you bridge that gap and provide you with somebody to talk to in the meantime.

Learn from Real Experiences

While many people get into mental health support roles due to their own past experiences, you can never be guaranteed that your psychologist or therapist is going to be somebody who really knows what you are going through due to having been in that situation themselves.

However, many peer support workers are people who once used a peer support service and benefited from it. This means that you will usually be talking to people who can relate to you and have real-life advice to give that worked well for them.

Easy Access

Anybody struggling with mental health knows that it can’t just be put to side until you’re able to deal with it. Many peer support services are available on-demand, allowing you to speak with someone at any time of the day using your laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It provides a way for you to get immediate support in a crisis or simply have somebody there when you need to talk, no matter where you are.

Help Others

Finally, peer support not only offers opportunities to get help and support, but also to give back. Many people who benefit from the support often go on to get NCPS certified and start helping others with peer support work in the same way that they were able to get help themselves. You can do this via Hushley, a peer support app that is set to launch in December of this year. This app will provide peer support job opportunities. And since it is a paid role, it’s a very rewarding way to supplement your income from home at hours that suit you. Watch their YouTube video to find out more.

For many people struggling with stress, pressure, anxiety, depression, and many other issues, peer support can be a lifeline.