Today, my peer read me an article about why I should quit smoking. Umm, I don’t smoke! Then she read me an article about how to clean if you have cockroaches. Umm, I don’t have cockroaches and I live in a very clean home. Then she read me an article about what I should and shouldn’t eat. Umm, I just lost 100 pounds (45 kg) in 13 months and I’ve kept it off for several months now. It was so bizarre! And she kept reading after I let her know it didn’t apply to me.
So far, I haven’t had one beneficial appointment with her. So crazy!
A peer is someone who has recovered from mental illness to where they’re able to work and function. They get paid to meet with you once a month. They talk to you to relate to your problems and offer encouragement and advice.
One of my peers actually suggested that I apply as a peer counselor because I was “high functioning”. Ha! Put me in charge of other people’s mental health and we’ll see how high functioning I am .
I tried the other peer in the program I’m in but she had very different issues than me so we weren’t able to bond really. But given how things are going , I may go back to her
I work with ages 16-25. I’ve helped a few people find jobs and even helped one person apply to college and they were accepted. I’ve also helped some people study for their learners permit. I love my job so much honestly so I’d be heartbroken to find out I haven’t been beneficial
I know someone who is a NAMI peer leader for their groups, and it that’s what is considered recovered enough to help guide others, I don’t want any part of it.