Why Shared Experiences Matter in Peer Support Circles

Mental health recovery isn’t something you should have to face alone. From professional guidance to group meetings, there are numerous forms of support available to you. 

Peer support circles are one such example, and they are a great way for adults to connect with other people on similar mental health healing journeys. No matter where you may be on the road toward wellness, bonding over shared experiences in these groups can make a major difference in all parties’ lives.

Read on to find out how adult peer support mental health circles can positively influence people and why these connections are so important. 

What is Adult Mental Health Peer Support?

Adult mental health peer support refers to mental health support from other adults who have lived experience with mental illness. This differs from other kinds of mental health assistance because of the sense of mutuality in these environments. 

As opposed to many therapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals, the point of these groups is to connect with people who understand what you are going through on a personal level. Although help from those with clinical training and expertise is crucial as well, peer support services are distinct in that you get to know people with experiences similar to your own. 

What Is A Certified Peer Support Specialist? 

A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is someone who is specially trained to help others facing mental health challenges through their own lived experiences. It is important to note that this is distinct from a clinically trained professional.

A CPSS can act as a mentor in your life, empathize with you over what you’re experiencing, guide you toward steps you can take, and share about their own struggles as well. Most of all, a CPSS serves as living proof that mental health recovery and real healing are possible. 

What Does Peer Support Look Like? 

Common examples of peer support settings include one-on-one mentorship, group meetings, family support, community settings, and recovery programs. 

These settings offer many benefits, including:

• Encouragement: Whether from seeing someone else’s progress or receiving uplifting insights about your own, peer support can leave you feeling very encouraged. 
• Connection: You can form genuine bonds with your peers in both group settings and individual relationships.
• Education: Your peers can also share important information with you and guide you on the right steps to take.
• Resources: Access to the right resources is key, and peer support connects you with local resources that will be most beneficial to you.
• Advocacy: Having people in your corner who can show you how to advocate for yourself about things like medications can be extremely helpful, especially if you are at an earlier stage of your journey. 

The Importance of Shared Experiences in Peer Support Groups

Shared experiences are especially helpful in peer support circles because they create a sense of safety, trust, and hopefulness. 

• Safety: Opening up about your mental health can be incredibly challenging, especially if you’ve ever felt unsafe in the past. Your peers can help you to feel safe to share and be open because they’ve been where you are and understand what it’s like to be on the other side of it.
• Trust: You might find that you have an easier time trusting someone who feels similar to you. Even if you haven’t had the exact same experiences, someone who has faced mental health battles of their own might make you feel more at ease.
• Hopefulness: Peer support can offer you hope because you get to connect with people who are examples of true mental health recovery. If you’re in a place where you’re struggling to believe that real change is possible, it can be very helpful to see for yourself that it really is. 

Who Can Benefit from Adult Mental Health Peer Support?

Adult mental health peer support is for people who are 21 years of age or older facing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.

These services are for people who are seeking help for the first time, people who are transitioning between levels of mental health care, and anyone else who would benefit from education, resources, and connections with recovering peers.

Adult Peer Support Services at PVFC

At Portneuf Valley Family Center (PVFC), we work hard to promote empowerment, choice, and hope for peers who are navigating the recovery process through our adult peer support program.

Our trained CPSSs guide, assist, and mentor others through recovery, helping them to figure out their goals and come up with a plan designed for their success. 

To become a Certified Peer Support Specialist, one must have either a high school degree or equivalent, lived experience with a mental illness or co-occurring disorder, 12 months or more of maintained recovery, practice with a group agency in the Optum Idaho network under the existing Optum supervisory protocol, and have an active peer support specialist certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is peer support?

Peer support describes mental health support from people who have personally experienced mental health struggles in their own lives and obtained peer support certification.

Who is peer support for?

Peer support is for adults aged 21 and up who are struggling with their mental health.

How is peer support different from therapy?

Peer support differs from therapy in that it is not clinical treatment; instead, it is a service built on shared experiences from other people on mental health journeys.

What qualifies someone to be a peer support specialist?

Peer support specialists have lived experience with mental health recovery and have completed specific training for certification.

Reach Out to Our Soda Springs or Pocatello Team

At PVFC, we are dedicated to helping adults navigate complex mental health challenges with the end goal of lasting healing. If you’re interested in learning more about our adult peer support program, we’d love to answer any questions you have.

For more information, connect with our Soda Springs or Pocatello team today.