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HomeWestern State Hospital Internship Program   Blog   Recovery
November 11 2015

Understanding Peer Support as a Profession

Author Susan Vaught Categories Blog, Continuing Education, General Information, Information About Peer Specialists, Resources for Interns 0 Comments

“Recovery is a process of change through which an individual improves one’s health and wellness, lives a self-directed life, and strives to reach their full potential.” This is the current definition of “Recovery” according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is a broad definition, but an inclusive one.  Full potential varies from person to person.  Living a self-directed life can be tough.

 

What is the role of Peer Support in promoting this definition?  For the most part, Peer Specialists are in what is called Recovery.  It was once mandatory that the specialist be in recovery for two years which meant out of the hospital and with active and successful self-care.  Now, because of the demand of these certified people, the rules have become a little more forgiving for those wanting to reach out to others in order to help promote hope.  There is no definitive time frame that an individual must wait to be a Peer Specialist.

 

Peer Support is reciprocal.  The specialist tries to use the skills he or she has learned to help those struggling, but the act of supporting another person helps the specialist out as well.  It gives a purpose and a reason to interact with other people.  It reminds one what is was like to be in that vulnerable time when first diagnosed; the difficulty in finding the right medication and support is a roadblock to many, and Peer Specialists know that and understand.

 

Peer Support has been shown to help in the process of recovery for those with serious mental illness.  Some Peer Specialists work exclusively with those struggling with substance abuse problems. There are also programs for specific populations, including Veterans.  With the requirement of continuing education, Peer Specialists must stay on top of current issues concerning mental health.  The program is quickly spreading in popularity, especially since it is now Medicaid billable.  For any questions, or if you know of a patient that may eventually enjoy providing such services, just let me know.

 

Rebecca Coursey, KPS
Peer Support Specialist

September 09 2015

What is being in “Recovery”?

Author Susan Vaught Categories Information About Peer Specialists, Resources for Interns 0 Comments

I talk a lot about “recovery” as a Peer Support Specialist, as do many in our place of work.  We have a “Recovery Mall,” but defining recovery is difficult.  It means so many different things to different people.  Each individual has his or her own goals.  My recovery may seem too simplistic or too grandiose.  It also depends on from what we are recovering.  What does that even mean?

 

The working definition from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) is at the bottom of my email messages: “Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” No matter what organization, governmental or grassroots, the definition has similarities.  The running theme is that the person is able to control his or her own life.  He or she takes charge of their own wellness and reaches toward goals.  It is a process though, not a clear destination that can just end.  It’s also definitely not a straight line from point a to b.  To borrow from the Beatles, “It’s a long and winding road.”

 

Recovery is a journey for which each of us must arrange our own transportation.  We can’t have our hands held the entire way.  At some point, it is a decision.  Once a spark of hope is ignited, a person goes from being constantly helped, to taking charge of their life.  That was my recovery point.  I spent years being helped; I went to my doctors and dwelled on my illnesses.  I identified so strongly with my illnesses, that my identity was lost.  Once I decided to cross over from being a consumer of services, to providing services, I could say that I believed I was on the road to recovery from my mental illnesses.  The road never ends though.

 

Igniting that spark of hope is the premise of Peer Support.  That is what hundreds across the state, mostly in a volunteer role, are trying to do for others.   Peer Support is now known as an essential tool in the recovery process.

 

Rebecca Coursey, KPS
Peer Support Specialist

 

“Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”     SAMHSA