Mental health peer support worker Frances Skerritt gives a short speech describing her role in the mental health treatment team, and the opportunities and challenges she has faced therein.
What has happened to peer support?! The mental health systems have co-opted them into their paternalistic 'expert - patient' medical model. As we've professionalized our services, unfortunately we have been "definded" in HR terms, according to the agency or authorities needs, rather than the needs of the consumer. Their own ignorance may not expect any assertive acts that may challenge their assumptions about us. This can lead to inner conflict in those who suddenly have to face their discriminatory attitudes, and unacknowledged resentment of what true equality in the workforce looks like. Peer workers, unfortunately, are often willing to be co-opted into the mainstream "professionalism" of the mental health system, because that allows them to be accepted, and to have a support system. Its hard to be the unwelcome advocate. They leave you "outstanding in your field". By yourself.
I am trying to make my decision to become a peer support MH worker, I’ve had two people recommend this course for me. Thank you for this, it is truely inspiring. The support needed and stigma that needs crushing is empowering to all around. The understanding and empathy is much needed in this field and more so as the pandemic has effected many’s mental health as well.
@@athena7042she’s discussing her experience creating the system for peer support service in hospital and how she was treated by the clinicians. The topic of the conversation is her experience not what a peer support is.
