Mutual Support and Mental Health

When dealing with mental health problems it is often difficult to find people who can empathise and this may lead to feelings of isolation and discouragement. The therapeutic potential of meeting others who are facing similar mental health issues is therefore invaluable. By sharing experiences and supporting one another sufferers can help alleviate distress and enable psychological well-being to be prioritised. The book provides an overview of mutual support and its benefits, such as the provision of opportunities for the validation and normalisation of experiences and the self worth that will be gained from the practice of advising and supporting others. The book includes practical application of mutual support theory backed up by evidence of the positive impact it has had on a variety of groups. The author provides an evaluation of the current provision of mutual support within mental health services and offers clear advice on how to access or facilitate this type of support. This accessible book combines theory with practice to provide both mental health professionals and those experiencing mental health difficulties with essential information on mutual support and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.