This exercise delves into the themes of isolation, loneliness, and inactivity. Participants are encouraged to reflect on a personal experience in which they received or provided support to overcome these challenges. This reflection is meant to explore thoughts, emotions, and the insights gained from the experience and the session, considering how it can inform their work as a peer support worker.
Following my hospitalisation, I found myself grappling with a profound sense of hopelessness, with my future appearing bleak and disheartening. Although my parents urged me to engage in ordinary activities such as going to the gym, shopping, or taking leisurely walks, my motivation to do so remained elusive.
It was my brother who introduced me to a remarkable tool designed by a prominent psychology professor known as the self-authoring suite. This tool involved a comprehensive examination of various epochs in my life, prompting me to articulate my thoughts and experiences. Initially, I jotted down brief notes about each of my life’s milestones. However, I soon found myself immersed in the program’s meticulous structure and organization, gradually expanding my notes into an intricate biography of my life. This introspective exercise allowed me to delve deeper into my experiences, refining my sentences and fostering a more profound understanding of the events that shaped my life.
Simultaneously, I received unwavering support from my family and care team, who encouraged me to engage in activities I found enjoyable and therapeutic. As a result, I turned to online gaming and virtual socialisation with online friends, experiences that reignited my confidence and sense of normalcy. This shift was instrumental in my recovery, as it prevented me from spending endless hours in bed, plagued by existential questions like “Why me?” and “What does my future hold?” I also had the opportunity to ponder my old classmates’ trajectories.
In addition to these personal endeavors, the PIER team consistently encouraged me to participate in community activities, emphasizing the importance of personal choice. They never pushed me into activities that did not resonate with my interests. I chose to engage in weekly swimming sessions, an activity I found both enjoyable and conducive to gradual physical and mental improvement.
During our session, I was particularly intrigued by the diverse ways in which fellow participants were connected to supportive communities that bolstered their mental well-being.
As I transition into a role as a peer support worker, I intend to facilitate a mindset of open-mindedness among my peers regarding community engagement. I will employ a non-directive approach to encourage them to pursue activities that genuinely resonate with their interests and contribute to their recovery. My aim is to empower them to make choices that align with their well-being, avoiding any sense of coercion or pressure to engage in activities that do not bring them joy or benefit.