Just started today with a peer worker-led service aimed at addressing suicide. Felt a bit awkward and I have a slight vulnerability hangover from accurately sharing my story with a stranger, but I'm glad I'm giving it a go. I have put this off for ages, overcoming shyness/shame to finally reach out for help, had to get a referral from my psychologist and advocate for myself. I think I've often played down my suicidality but I've realised this has done me no favours. I'll constantly downplay how painful my inner world is and continue to feel shit house. And so I'm trying to be more and more comfortable to plainly name my problems before I jump to solutions.
Any tips for starting with a new service and a new support worker?
Hey @Flowerflesh I've just come across this post and wanted to check in with how it's going with the peer worker? Are you starting to feel a bit more comfortable?
It is really hard opening up to someone new, especially when you're talking about such vulnerable things. When I'm starting with a new support I try to be aware that it is going to take a lot out of me, and not plan anything else in the day after my sessions (when possible) and just try to take it easy and be gentle with myself
Good advice. Yeah I've had two sessions so far and it's certainly taken it out of me. Unfortunately the next session I'll need to meet a new worker again as the person I was seeing was only temporarily available. But apparently this next person will be my peer worker for the remainder of the 3 month program. Because of lack of availability in my area the sessions are via telehealth but I'll take what I can get and am grateful to have started.
@Flowerflesh @Welcome to the forum. I am glad @Ru-bee responded to your post.
Like you, I have been grateful and accepted any care that was available. Good on you for persevering for you. Here’s to hoping your new worker will be a good fit. It can be surprising what can be the bridges in sharing that evolve a beneficial relationship. Sometimes it can be weird things we have in common. If the worker is honest and dedicated they can reach over other differences. Good luck with it. I have had a mix of experiences. I am not mad about Telehealth but like so many people accept it.
I really think the various companies and services around need to be honest that high staff changes can be very costly for the person being “helped”.
