Peer support for people with mental illness

Abstract

Background: Peer support is a mutual aid system based on the belief that someone who faced/overcome adversity can provide support, encouragement and guidance to those who experience similar situations. Objective: To conduct a systematic review that describes this concept and characterizes peer supporters, its practice and efficacy. Method: Research on ISI Web of Science, EBSCO Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and Medline databases (from 2001 to December 2013) was conducted using as keywords "mental illness", "mental health", "psychiatric disability", "mental health services", combined with "peer support", "mutual support", "self-help groups", "consumers as providers", "peer-run services", "peer-run programs" and "social support". Results: We found 1,566 articles and the application of both the exclusion (studies with children, teenagers and elderly people; disease in comorbidity; peer support associated to physical illnesses or family members/caregivers) and the inclusion criteria (full text scientific papers, peer support or similar groups directed for schizophrenia, depression, bipolar or psychotic disorders) lead to 165 documents, where 22 were excluded due to repetition and 31 to incomplete text. We analyzed 112 documents, identifying as main peer support categories: characterization, peer supporter, practices and efficacy. Discussion: Despite an increasing interest about this topic, there is no consensus, suggesting realizing more studies.

Peer support critical elements and experiences in supporting the homeless: A qualitative study

“…Main components in these relationships are (a) shared experiences, (b) role modelling, and (c) provision of support (Ahmed et al, 2012;Campbell, 2008;Campos et al, 2014;Mead et al, 2001;Salzer, 2002;Solomon, 2004). First, shared experiences enable development of mutually beneficial relationships, where both peer supporters and clients experience increased sense of community (Bradstreet, 2006;Mead et al, 2001).…”

Predicting psychological distress of informal carers of individuals with major depression or bipolar disorder

“…Further consideration by health‐care professionals of the coping profile at a more individual level is important to improve carer health and well‐being (Campos et al . ). Facilitation of carer support groups would provide carers the opportunity to share their coping experiences and learn from one another through peer support (Campos et al .…”

“…Facilitation of carer support groups would provide carers the opportunity to share their coping experiences and learn from one another through peer support (Campos et al . ; Stjernswärd & Östman ). It is important that health practitioners make carers feel supported, as by doing so, carers are more likely to trust the decisions made (Ayra ).…”

Art, Objects, and Beautiful Stories: A “New” Approach to Spiritual Care

“…The first similarity is seen in how these relationships are structured. Campos et al. (2014) argue that one of the core concepts of peer support is mutuality, with two people viewing each other as equal.…”