Informal Peer Support (Part 2)

In Part 1, I spoke about how peer support can provide what a person in distress needs the most.

■ Someone they recognize and trust.

■ Someone they do not have to explain the job to.

■ Someone whose core message is, “You are not alone.”

The message “You are not alone” is powerful. Peer support is being a trusted friend and support to a coworker in mental or emotional distress. It is not about treating people, like a doctor or therapist provides treatment to those suffering with mental health problems or disorders, but it can mean being with them in their distress.

Peer support is not therapy, but it can be therapeutic. Yet, therapy is not peer support. Peer support is something of its own domain. So, it’s okay that we do this work as non-professionals, as long as we know our limits. We can do peer support because we are peers. And with some training and access to resources, we become part of a workforce wellness multiplier.

Consider this, when have you provided, experienced, or witnessed informal peer support?