Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

10,127 Members
27,615 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Peer Support

arfie
arfie

One of my first hurdles in developing my peer support network was calling my elders, "Peers." How could I call someone older than any of my school officials, "A Peer?" What dictionary are you using, Ma'am/Sir? It took me decades to broaden my definition of "Peer" to a person who suffers mental health conditions similar to mine. Over the course of that word war, I find myself more comfortable calling my peer supporters, "Brothers and Sisters-in-Healing," but I get allot of unpredictable reactions to that moniker.



With the advent of on-line support groups, "Friends" seems to be an increasingly popular moniker for peer supporters. I find myself squirming with that one because of the times I've been crowded off social media sites by "Friends" who were looking to make my wildest dreams come true. AKA, marketers, both legal and illegal.



What does "Peer Support" mean to you?


What do you call the folks you meet in support groups, both live and virtual?


What are your expectations of your peer supporters?

Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Well I consider you a peer and a friend Arf..... I think as I get to know peer supporters more and become closer to them then I think of them as friends....

I've only met one person in RL from a support group

With regards to expectations.... I hope that I can get some support when the need is there and I hope that I can give it.... I have found great support on DS.... Big squishy hug....xo
arfie
arfie
The fact that I started psychotherapy 20 years before the first internet provider premiered in 1992 means the lion's share of my own psychotherapy, including support groups, happened in real time, despite having started my communications career the year after I started psychotherapy. Being on the development track of the tech end makes me more cynical than a technophobe about e-friends, telemedicine, etc., etc. I know the nuts and bolts of **why** many of the current expectations are unrealistic, especially since the Corona crowning.

I tend to think of my e-friends as pen pals until I actually shake their hands and see their body language. I love my pen pals, but not too many of them stay friends after we actually meet, face-to-face.

Some of the greatest friendships of my life have grown out of peer support, but some of my most helpful peer support has come from folks who were only in my life long enough to loan me their shoulder to cry on.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I hear you.... I was in group therapy when I first was diagnosed with BP for about a year and it was a great help but I didn't stay in contact with people even though I really liked my small group

I've had a couple of therapist's for a very short time however I haven't been able to afford it ongoing so peer support has been huge to me

I first came to DS when my folks were failing and I was their caregiver.... I really don't know what I would have done without it... I did my dad's palliation at home and my mom went into a facility 8 days before she died and my wee pooch and DS got me through it.....My mom's Alzheimer's really was terrible.... Emotionally I couldn't handle it well and the decline was heart wrenching ... It was many years ago and when I talk about it, it still hurts

The Caregiver support board was really busy then.... I considered people there my friends but you're right I left shortly after... It was too painful to stay on... xo
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
My therapist has his place and so does my psychiatrist, each different Different again and special is peer support here. To me it means I'm talking with people who've been there, done that, and can give me direct feedback a doc won't disclose as to getting through it, When that is feedback of years as it's been now for me with you here, arfie, that's invaluable.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Hello Monday

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: SunCloudJD
    4
    Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
  • Sunshinegirl0228

    Dr. Appointment

    Posted by: Sunshinegirl0228
    Last Reply: Sunshinegirl0228
    3
    Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.