You're in a peer support role and your colleagues are struggling. What are some ways you can help?

In a peer support role, I'd start by actively listening to my colleagues, offering empathy and validation for their struggles. I'd encourage open communication, creating a safe space for them to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Providing practical assistance, such as sharing resources or offering to lighten their workload temporarily, can also be helpful. Additionally, organizing group activities like team-building exercises or stress-relief sessions can foster camaraderie and provide much-needed relief. Overall, my goal would be to show genuine care and support while empowering my colleagues to navigate their challenges effectively.

Motivational interviewing. Learn practice and embrace. It took me a while to get effective with this skill but it is the most powerful tool in the toolbox for listening actively and moving the conversation towards positive change talk. Let’s go!!!

Active listening means setting aside any preconceived notions and truly hearing their perspective. Start by noting to yourself that your colleagues are intelligent and capable people; This will help you avoid making assumptions or underestimating their abilities. Approach the interaction with the belief that they are exercising reason in their actions and decisions. Before offering advice or support, take a moment to reflect on whether you truly understand the situation from your colleague's perspective. A "So what you're saying is..." or "Sounds like..." is a great way to ensure you understand the situation. Put yourself in their shoes and consider how they might be feeling or thinking.

From my experience, here are some ways to help: Provide a safe space for your colleagues to express their concerns and emotions. Listen attentively without interrupting, and show empathy for their feelings. Avoid dismissing their emotions or offering quick-fix solutions. Quick-fixes most of the time don't work. Offer words of encouragement and support, reminding them of their strengths and capabilities. This is very essential since they can be overwhelmed by the issue at hand. Encourage them to explore different options and perspectives. In doing this, you are sure you have provided enough assistance for your colleague to clearly navigate the scene to arrive at a solution

No One Person Is Immune To The Many Mental Health & Well Being ChallengesThat All Of Us Face Every Day. And This Includes Me! THE REAL QUESTION IS “HOW ARE YOU & I MANAGING THESE CHALLENGES IN OUR DAY TO DAY LIFE?” Begin by: Creating A Safe Space For Meaningful Conversations & Connections. PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE HEARD & SUPPORTED ON ISSUES OF CONCERN TO EACH & EVERY PERSON. Gather A Diverse Range Of Perspectives And Points Of Views While Everyone Shares THEIR Challenges Through Real Conversations. MAKE IT EASY. MAKE IT FUN. TO TALK ABOUT...EVERYONE'S Desired Outcomes. AND HOW TO BUILD OUR VERY OWN PERSONAL CAPACITY TO ARRIVE AT OUR VERY OWN "BETTER MENTAL HEALTH!"...DAILY!!

Drawing from the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, "There is nothing new under the sun," we are reminded of the universality of human experiences. What may seem unimaginable or unique to us has likely been encountered by others before. Sharing our experiences not only blesses others but also guides them through their own challenges, offering solace and insight in navigating through difficult times. This is something I work with in supporting my community and those who come my way seeking for guidance or counsel in various issues.

Peer support has consistently been found to reduce mental health distress and promote quality of life. Sometimes talking things through with others is all you need, especially when the person on the other side gets it because they are in your industry and know the issues. Many people try to find a loyal confidant who can understand common issues, like how to have a tough conversation about a raise or dealing with the fallout when a co-worker has been fired. Unfortunately, leaders are effectively being cut out of those important conversations. The ones that could change company culture.

In my own experience. It gives reassurance to others, who have experiences of their own, that we are like-minded. Even if the experience is different in circumstances. Be it may, we learned from each other experiences, and if my experience can help you, I have no problem sharing it.

Sharing your experiences can make fellow peers settled and more comfortable to own mistakes and learn . Acknowledging that you have made mistakes or are still learn in yourself enables others to not feel like they cannot grow and do better . It also helps if the experience shared has an outcome or was result orientated : for instance I was challenged with this issue once or this type of client and this is how I overcame it or learned from it . Try to share ways in which your experience has led you to grow in your skills and point them out such as Learning when to take a step back, Doing self care , Not taking it personal, Asking for support and such This has helped build a lot of team work and support in my experience

Be willing to help, and be able to help. And if you can't, point them in the direction where help is available. Be a Samaritan as you address the matter at hand, knowing your peers can not do it alone, hence it is peer support.

If a colleague is struggling, I'd offer my assistance and empathy first. Then, I'd provide relevant resources such as documentation, tutorials, or recommend specific online courses or workshops that could help them overcome their challenges. Additionally, I'd be available for questions and support as they navigate through the resources.

Following up is an extension of the empathy that I show to my struggling peers. With the establishment of this, I continue to ensure a regular line of communication to convince my struggling peers and make them understand that my concern for their well being is not a "one off". Checking regularly on them to acknowledge their progress and commend their efforts at overcoming their struggles. Relating previous work and life experiences that can help.

Follow-Up: Check in with your colleagues regularly to see how they are doing and offer ongoing support. Follow up on any previous conversations or concerns they may have raised.

Follow-up is a key component to building the trust we need to establish as peers. Letting your peer know you care and that time with them is a priority reminds them that they matter.

This is the most important aspect of being a peer facilitator or mentor. In order to be present, actively listen, and share lived experiences in a helpful supportive fashion-caring for myself first is needed. I can’t give from an empty cup. I prioritize my own self-care in order to have something to offer others. If I give from an empty cup, I am causing harm to myself and setting myself up for burnout and secondary trauma. I speak from lived experience. I have learned firsthand the consequences are taxing. I share openly with others the importance of self-care and developed a framework to critically process and evaluate a potential self-care dilemma.

Encourage Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of self-care and encourage your colleagues to engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

Leading by example and modeling positive coping practices can be life-changing for a peer that is struggling. Sometimes a gentle reminder is all it takes to change someone's mindset. Then celebrate the victories! Encouragement is reinforcement.

The most valuable opportunity that you can create to support your fellow peer workers is the opportunity for co-reflection. Set a time for your group to get together, invite one person to share a story, and then invite others to ask questions, share their reflections and hold moments of silence for thoughts to settle. Avoid judgement or problem solving. This was an important part of both my training at Victoria University and in Intentional Peer Support.

Share resources. Share what is working for you and don't be afraid to try new things. Offering resources outside of one's peer group can be daunting, but the community offers a wide array of helpful services that can enhance one's journey. Being open to possibilities allows for growth.

Many great suggestions here. One that I would add might be sharing insights into what the other perspectives might be. Given the previously mentioned suggestions, this is a largely situational suggestion, but one that I think could be helpful. Often, the individual perspective is limited, leading to frustrations over differing perspectives, and enlightening peers to other considerations that may be influencing a situation can alleviate much frustration and/or resentment, leading to better communication and empathy all around. I might start with "have you considered..." to lead into a possible solution or perspective, but only after actively listening and reflecting to ensure the position is understood.

Peer supporters know better than anyone that the ultimate form of support in any workplace is that which comes from our peers. Whether it's organizing after-work gatherings, joining a bowling league, or hosting weekly potlucks, forming bonds outside of the workplace can foster a more supportive work environment and enhance overall well-being.

I have often said that half my job is providing support and encouragement to the people I provide services and the other half is providing support and encouragement to staff. I use the same tools and resources to help my colleagues, my clients, my community.