A Mental Health Volunteer – Peer Support

By: Melanie Knapp

What a great opportunity to help patients in the hospital. I could barely believe it, the hospital wanted to listen to me. They wanted my ideas and solutions for problems they were having. My voice counts!

I belong to a women's group called HER Grey Bruce. Among other things, we bring awareness to issues in the community. Through this group I was able to turn my anger into positive contributions. I went from being an angry patient at the hospital to a pro-active volunteer. The listening and encouragement I felt in the HER group was amazing. I learned that I have some of the knowledge needed to help others. I could teach others and I did this through writing a booklet called Recovery Booklet For Mental Health.

In this booklet I assist people to develop their strengths and feel happier and more satisfied by accomplishing goals, writing in a journal, doing art work, writing a poem or spending time with nature. I also sympathize with the pain. I've been there.

When I was in hospital I couldn't stand to see people medicated and agitated with little to do to pass the time. The pain they were experiencing was great, both from being sedated and from illnesses.

Others helped with the recovery booklet. There is a general message of enthusiasm. I was relieved that there was finally something we could do to help! About ten people contributed to the book with art, poetry and advice. They had a great willingness to care about others. In my own journey with mental health, it took time for me to trust enough. I feel we all need a great amount of patience. I am thankful to staff who take their job seriously and find a moment to care about each patient.

For me the people who reached out to me, made the most difference. Their kindness still makes me smile. I wish the best for others I've met with difficulties. Be who you really are. Don't be afraid to love, that's what makes the world go round! Patients can ask the social worker for a copy of the booklet if they are interested.

HER Grey Bruce also deliveries items to the floor every three months like socks, mitts, books, journals, pens, sketch pads, etc. We are delighted to work with CMHA to send pizza up on Thanks Giving, New Years and Easter. I also speak every couple months to the discharge group and tell the people about some of the great strategies I have in place to help my mental health in hopes that they may learn from this.

I feel so proud that my story could change. From being a patient to being a Patient Advisor. I am thankful to the people at the hospital that could help me to help others.

Finally the big event! A Coffee House! This is a positive project where people have the chance to portray their excellent talents. It helps us focus on the therapeutic value of artistic endeavors.

We are having our third annual Coffee House on May 6th at 1:30 in the hospital cafeteria. We hope this will raise awareness for Mental Health and bridge members of the community and hospital. Most importantly it will, again, show others that we care!

The music and poems are related to mental health. They touch the heart and move the soul! There are usually a few tears of joy and pain. People are able to relate to the performers stories, poems and songs! Everyone is invited. Hope to see you there!

The positive changes about mental health in our community are exciting! If you have mental health difficulties keep reaching out. Maybe you will find hope in a peer support experience. We can learn from one another and remember love makes the world go round!