Peer Support Specialists Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram discuss the recent Peerpocalypse conference, leading into a discussion about our cultural backgrounds and how this connects with intergenerational trauma + mental health. We then discuss the benefits and downsides to discussing mental health diagnosis in the peer support relationship.

What is Peer Support? Peer Support is a modality of providing emotional support from the lens of lived experience. Often peer supporters have had their own mental health and/or addictions challenges and can support others through disclosing these shared experiences. Peer support is also a different kind of relationship from the kind one might have with a therapist or social worker - one that is focused on mutuality, connection, community, and building one's self-determination.