Peer Support For Mental Health Services

Bonney and Stickley (2008) note the theme of power is often raised by service users. If, as predicted by the DOH in 2003, services are to become increasingly individual focused, the system needs to place power with service users. There is increasing amounts of service user literature that places an emphasis on individuals defining their own journey of recovery (Unit 21, pg 66) rather than having it imposed on them by workers. Peter Beresford (Audio 4) notes that currently there are inequalities in mental health services with limited service user power but considerable professional power. Bonney and Stickley mention Martyn (2002, cited in Bonney and Stickley 2008) who proposes professionals should be present by service user invitation only. A less radical aim is that of a gradual transfer of responsibility in power from services to individuals during recovery. It is important such involvement confers genuine power to individuals, rather than being tokenistic (Jacobson 2004, cited in Bonney and Stickley 2008).

Mental health is a complex phenomenon that consists of a range of diagnoses, treatments and outcomes. Recovery from such experiences has historically meant to completely remove all symptoms of illness, but is now currently thought of as regaining a sense of control over and development of a new meaning and purpose in one’s life, rather than feeling defined by the illness. Each individual understands it in their own personal way, likened to a journey towards self-determination, choice, and empowerment.

The National charity ‘Mind’ aims to help people experiencing mental health issues to take control of their condition. In providing more information and training, it should help promote more positive public views

The power of support groups, especially when peer run can have a sign cant impact on the individual. It is vital to realize that “Compared to recent group members, longstanding group members used less medication and treatment services, had higher levels of well-being and less neurotic distress” (Solomon, 2009). Many of them also became leaders of the groups. Many times while I have personally sat in on our Hope and Recovery Group (Peer Lead), I have seen a massive shift in many of the people in our group. The socialization of each individual is profound! Many of the group members never said a word for months and now they are vibrant, full of zeal and vivaciousness. An interesting point that is brought up by Ley is the statement that “People

In mental health the concept of recovery is a contrast to the medical context to which we are accustomed to. Individuals experiencing mental illnesses have expressed recovery to be “elusive, not perfectly linear… erratic, we flatter, slide back and regroup…establish a sense of integrity and purpose” (Roads to recovery, n.d.), which reflects

Regarding the treatment of mental illness, there are two effective forms that have caused considerable debates in the field of psychology: the medical and the recovery models. While there are significant differences between these two models, they are both effective when used concurrently. The efficacy of the medical model alone is diminishing as it focuses too narrowly on treatment goals, and may ignore the needs of the client. On the other hand, the recovery model focuses on the client and allows them to take control of their treatment and rehabilitation, which helps promote positive change. Recovery is often seen as a lifelong journey that requires the client to be wholly involved in the recovery process. This is why the recovery model values

The health and social care act 2001 says that there is an importance to involve and to consult service users/ patients which can help shape and create their own care plans. Which can result in more and more individuals who are suffering from a mental health issue/ problem can access the services as they won’t feel like they are being discriminated against. The mental capacity act 2005 and the mental health act 2007 says that the reason behind involving service users is to overcome some initial barriers of the more traditional services and this was outlined in some of the current developments that are happening within these laws. The mental capacity and mental health act shows that there will be the removal of the standard traditional service so they can move forward and introduce a more approachable service which enabled service users and communities to become more

However, the aim of a recovery-oriented practice is to support individuals, to build a meaningful, satisfying life and a personal identity, whether or not there are symptoms of a mental illness. (Department of health, 2011).

Most people who have mental health problems experience symptoms, and gradually recover. They may pick Up where they left off, or head in a new direction in life. Everybody’s experience of mental ill health is Different and everybody’s recovery is therefore individual. For a minority of people, the symptoms of their mental health problem might lead them to act

Boardman, McCann, and Kerr, (2014) found that peer support groups can have a significant positive impact on the client’s mental state. Another study showed that peer support classes could improve social functioning for clients with schizophrenia (Orfanos, S., Banks, C., & Priebe, S., 2015). By attending a peer group, Chief’s symptoms could be managed with the support of others, he could gain friends and a support system that he lacks, and he could learn skills that could allow him to remain living independently. As one of his goals, Chief could attend the National Alliance for Mental Illness Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Support Group on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, which meets at the NAMI Seattle

Contemporary mental health care is a changing and developing field. Traditional practices of understanding and caring for those with mental illness are being challenged (Trenoweth, 2017). Personal recovery is not a new concept. Although it is significantly different to the biomedical model, it has been well written about in literature, putting a significant influence on policies and the delivery of care within today’s practices. When people with a lived experience of mental illness started to challenge the biomedical model of care, recovery orientated health care began to grow (Barkway, 2013). Before further exploring both personal recovery and the biomedical approach, we will look at what recovery is. Slade (2009) outlines a two part definition

To create supportive environment for the patients in order to return for long-term care and recovery.

According to the United Kingdom’s Mental Health foundation (2015) the concept of recovery is about ‘the individual staying in control of their life despite experiencing a mental health problem.’ The aim of the

Therefore, the level of recovery varies from each person. There are no checklists or timetables for the recovery of a person, recovery in itself is just helping the person attain the state where they want to be. One cannot tell a person they are mentally healthy if the person himself does not feel like so. It is not embarrassing to look for help. In order for everyone to be open and honest about what they feel and get the help they deserve, we should change our perspectives of having mental illness and treating it. So we can achieve what they’ve been fighting for, a normal and happy

Psychosocial rehabilitation has its theoretical roots in evolving a failed effort, by the mental health system, to help mentally ill patients in coping with the psychosocial devastation brought on by severe mental illness and behavioural problems (Correctional Services Canada, 2013). The traditional methods of treatment viewed recovery as a process of curing an illness, usually with medication, but recovery does not subsequently occur once their illness is “treated” (CSC, 2013). This traditional method was ineffective because their recovery was halted by limited support and skills and ‘abnormal’ behaviours learned in institutions (CSC, 2013). These deficits resulted in chronic impairments and maladaptive social functioning (CSC, 2013). These individuals were unable to fulfill normal social roles and successfully live independently in the community (CSC, 2013). The PSR approach to recovery incorporates more than just eliminating the signs and symptoms of the illness, is based on understanding the patients voice and experiences and encouraging participation and self-determination in treatment (CSC, 2013). This approach recognises the care values such as hope, empowerment, and determination are essential to recovery (CSC, 2013). The importance of skill development and community support are also highlighted (CSC, 2013).