Peer support is an increasingly popular type of mental health care.

Reduced isolation, empowerment, collaborative learning, and connections with people who have had similar experiences are all advantages. Some people claim that the relaxed atmosphere allows them to express issues that they would find difficult to share in a formal setting.

However, keep in mind that these advantages come with drawbacks.

Participants provide assistance to others by drawing on their own experiences. While this assistance is genuine, it can be emotionally draining.

People face risks such as triggers, emotional exhaustion, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS YOU EXPERIENCE?

Experiencing triggers and having my boundaries violated. Discussions can quickly devolve into triggering details, or there may be an expectation of support.

I want to help and respond, but I’m not sure what to say or how to say it. I’m afraid of saying something that will irritate the other person or make me appear extremely stupid. I worry and think about the person too much at times.

Isolation and exhaustion Especially when you’re assisting someone who is going through unusual circumstances.

I spend a lot of time late at night talking. Due to a lack of sleep, I risk becoming grumpy and irritable, which affects my ability to listen and provide advice.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESTRICTIONS?

• I try to keep news stories to a minimum. As much as I enjoy being aware of the big picture and the world around me, it can be overwhelming at times. To maintain equilibrium, I occasionally find myself tuning out during difficult conversations. I feel guilty for not giving my full attention, but I realise I’m doing it to protect myself.
• It has been useful for me to state that I am unable to participate in a particular conversation. While I am concerned that someone will be upset or upset about it, I also know that I will be of no use to myself or others if I am in a whirlpool after being triggered.
• It can be helpful to simply acknowledge someone’s struggle and let them know that you have heard them and care, even if you aren’t in the mood to sit with them. Clear and direct communication works best for me.
• I employ a technique I call ‘passive-resistance.’ I maintain politeness and carry out caring actions, but I use politeness as a shield. It allows you to take an emotional break for a while. Nursing staff, air hostesses, bank clerks, and hotel concierges, I’m sure, use this skill. It is acceptable to apply it to the person we are caring for as a form of self-care, because we are just as important as they are.

HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF?

• Limiting my responses – that is, liking posts but not responding – and having a small group of’ supports’ who know how to assist me. It is also beneficial to learn how to read a situation, determine when someone is receiving adequate support from others, and be prepared to step aside.
• I’ve imposed a forum curfew. It took a lot of effort, but I can now go several days without visiting the forums. Before responding, I pause to consider whether I truly have it in me to support that person. If I don’t feel like I have the energy, I remind myself that there are a lot of other people online who are struggling, and I don’t have to engage with everyone who is struggling. This keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. When I’m on the forum, I’m fully present, but I can also leave it behind.
• It is critical to take care of yourself; otherwise, your effectiveness may suffer. It’s a case of ‘first put on your oxygen mask.’ When it comes to caring, it’s also important to understand your own limitations.
• Stressors compound and lead to burnout, but remember that self-care also compounds! Each act of self-care contributes to your overall well-being. Another idea is to be your own best friend. What would you do to assist a friend who is in your situation? Would you like to meet them for a cup of coffee? Then excuse yourself. Should you give them a hug? Give yourself a hug. This is an example of self-comfort.