We are slowly learning that the worst thing to do when we are are struggling with our mental health is to keep it to ourselves.  And we are gradually learning that there is no shame in reaching out to help from others.  Sometimes support from a mental health professional can be the difference between long, dark months of isolation and finally finding our way through to a better place.

But however valuable professional help may be, many of us have experienced that the most powerful source of support has been from people who have been there tshemselves.  Many of us have felt a deep sense of relief to hear from someone with a similar experience to our own.  While everyone's experiences are unique, being able to connect with our peers can begin to help us overcome our sense of isolation, and begin to get ourselves back on track, whatever that may mean for us.

Kindred Minds has recently set up a group to help people who have struggled with their mental health to find each other, and to share thier experiences with one another in a safe, confidential environment.  It felt that people were waiting for this opportunity to come along, because the group has been very well attended from the beginning.  The group meets once a week and is open to anyone who is registered with Kindred Minds. 

The group began by establishing some simple ways to show respect for one another's experience.  We agreed not to interrupt people while they are talking.  We agreed not to share anything that people told us about themselves in the group.  If people don't want to join in a discussion or share personal experiences, that's okay.   It was decided not to offer advice if people had not asked for it.  And everyone was clear that they must be able to share their experiences and views without judgement. 

We make sure that everyone has a turn to speak, although if you don't feel like contributing that day, it's okay to stay quiet.  Listening to others is seen as a great contribution anyway.  The things that people share can very greatly.  Sometimes people have sharing experiences from the past that have continued to impact them as adults.  Some people have been able to tell us about ongoing situations with their families, or their contact with services that continue to be stressful and difficult to manage.  Some discussions are much more lighthearted though - maybe recomending TV binge-watching to fill in the dark winter nights, or exchanging favourite sayings or quotes that we have found to be an inspiration over the years.

Although the group has some people who come every week it is still open to for newcomers to join in our activities.  And the feedback from new starters has been that they have felt welcome from the beginning. And although sometimes people talk about distressing issues that can be difficult to hear, people usually tell us that they feel better when they leave than when they arrived. 

Finally, although the details of our discussions will stay confidential to the group, we will be sharing our insights and coping strategies through this blog, so that the benefits of our peer support activities can be felt more widely.

So remember, while you might be heroically facing down your demons and dragons, it's even better to have people at your back.