Why I became a Peer Supporter – a personal journey

“Peer support is provided between two or more people who have similar or shard experiences, and who recognise each other as
Peers.  Peer Support can be offered professionally (Peer Support Work), or informally (such as through friendships and support groups).
Mental health peer support can bring a range benefits, such as friendship, empowerment, acceptance, stigma reduction and
shared learning and insights for recovery.  Mental health peer support workers and programs can also bring about significant improvements in service cultures, towards more recovery-centred and trauma informed approaches.”

lived with this experience until I had to attend three funerals in the space of a fortnight in 2001 and had a mental breakdown. I contacted
a mental health service provider and after some trouble, I convinced the operator that I had to see a psychologist in person as soon as
possible. I then saw a psychologist and after just 2 sessions I considered myself cured. How wrong could I be?