The Process by which Continued Peer Support Activities Support Recovery for Persons with Mental Illness

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the process by which continuing peer support activities supported the recovery of persons with mental illness.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 peer supporters belonging to an outpatient mental health facility. The peer supporters were asked how their ways of daily living and thoughts changed through the peer support activities, and the content was integrated using the KJ method.

Results: The content as stated by peer supporters was integrated into six categories: “I could maintain good conditions,” “I could understand people around me,” “I want to help my peers,” “I want to continue working,” “I want to contribute to society,” and “I was able to accept myself.” According to the subject narratives, working freed them from their own worries and symptoms, and they learned to understand others as they came to realize that they had a lot in common in terms of their individual worries. They then followed the process of continuing to engage in peer activities that were helpful for their peers, finding a goal of contributing to society, and ultimately learning to accept themselves while co-existing with illness.

Discussion: In this process, it was suggested that the recovery of people with mental illness was supported by their intention to share and make good use of their own experiences with their peers.