Topics Blog 3

WHEN ONE LIVES WITHOUT HOPE, THE WILLINGNESS TO DO IS PARALYZED.

… IT IS BEING DISABLED, NOT BY ILLNESS OR DISEASE, BUT BY DESPAIR.

Signs of Recovery

I know that I am moving forward in my recovery when…

• …I find myself questioning people who say I will not recover

• …I become more aware of those things that I am good at.

• …I know what I can handle and what I need to share with the professionals.

• …I am able to set up safeguards for myself.

• …I learn from my peers and get support from them.

• …I see trouble coming before it arrives.

• …I think I may have a chance.

• …I know who and what’s not good for me.

• …I realize what sets me off and stresses me out.

• …I know how to work the system.

• …I know when my behaviour is appropriate and inappropriate.

• …I am able to hear “hope” from my peers – “Hang in there, its not forever”

• …I know the difference in symptoms and stigma and am developing coping skills for each.

• …I believe I can recover.

• …I know when to leave a situation because it has given me all it can.

• …I realize that my past life has value.

• …I know when I need a special kind of help and seek it out.

• …I know that sharing with peers helps put things in perspective.

The above is provided in order to see the importance of instilling HOPE in our daily lives and try to view things in positives.

Peer Support Group Leader, Leigh

TOPICS BLOG 2

TOPIC FOR POSSIBLE DISCUSSION: Five Fundamental Beliefs About Life – Foundation for Peer Support

· Everyone has the ability to learn and grow.

· People’s beliefs determine their behaviour.

· People think their way through life.

· Whatever people focus on, they give power to.

· Life’s experiences are the best teacher.

Beliefs re-stated within the context of mental health and Recovery

Being diagnosed with a mental health injury does not take away the ability to learn and grow; people can recover and move on with their lives.

What a person believes about himself/herself, because of a diagnoses with a mental injury, is the most important determinant of his/her success in creating the life he/she wants.

Being diagnosed with a mental illness does not take away the ability to think strategically and creatively.

While symptoms and mental illness bring people in for services, the focus needs to shift to wellness and strengths as soon as possible.

Your recovery experience is your greatest gift to your peers … HOPE

Taken from Prairies to Peaks Peer Support Training Manual

Peer Support Group Leader, Leigh

Group Therapy Topics Blog

The below is documented for the purpose of creating a discussion around the purpose and value of PEER SUPPORT.

The following is a statement from Recovery Innovations located out of Phoenix, AZ.

“When peers begin to work in the mental health system, recovery is accelerated in three ways.

The peer’s own recovery is strengthened.

The peer helps others recover.

The peers helps the agency and/or the system recover

SHARED EXPERIENCE

GIFTS THAT ARE THE FRUIT OF A LIVED EXPERIENCE

First, there is a sense of gratitude that is manifested in compassion and commitment.

Second, there is insight into the experience of internalized stigma.

Third, peers address the “you do not know what it’s like” feeling in their peer.

Fourth, they have had the experience of moving from hopelessness to hope.

Fifth, they are in a unique position to develop a relationship of trust with their peers.

Sixth, they have developed the gift of monitoring their illness and managing their lives holistically, both mind

and body.

The above was taken from Prairies to Peaks Consulting, Inc. PEER Support Training Manual