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Peer support on personal and professional levels can be a lifeline to maintaining our mental health during the time of COVID-19.
Personal peer support can be something as simple as shooting a quick text to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while or as involved as planning a virtual watch party with a larger group.
A vital part of personal peer support is asking the people closest to you how you can best support them and telling them how they can reciprocate. This process helps set healthy boundaries for the amount and specific types of support you are able to provide.
Professional peer support, which involves speaking with a certified peer worker or another mental health professional who openly identifies with having lived experience, is also a great tool for maintaining wellness. Speaking with someone who is trained in actively listening to issues and intentionally sharing their own recovery-framed experiences can create a unique sense of validation.
If you’re struggling with reaching out for support, start small with the people in your life you trust. Starting conversations with them about how you can mutually support each other fosters stronger relationships. Finding even one person to talk to can make a world of difference.
If you’re searching for peer support in a community setting, check out the InkWell Workshops upcoming fall sessions. The full schedule is available at inkwellworkshops.com/schedule
Maya Ameyaw