Student Support Network: Evaluating a Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support Training Program

Online mental health advocacy groups social support, stigma management and advocacy messaging, and audience reactions to this messaging

10.32469/10355/73830 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Sarah Smith-Frigerio

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Peer Support ◽

Advocacy Groups ◽

Management Communication ◽

Health Advocacy ◽

Stigma Management ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Public Health Crisis ◽

Mental Health Advocacy

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Mental health concerns continue to be stigmatized in traditional media, in spite of -- or perhaps contributing to --high prevalence rates of mental health diagnoses globally. This has led to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a public health crisis. Given stigmatization in traditional media, mental health communication scholars are investigating how mental health concerns are depicted and discussed in digital and social media spaces, but this area remains underexplored. The WHO has also outlined the importance of grassroots mental health advocacy groups in addressing the public health crisis, and an understanding of such groups' social media content is imperative. Through the theoretical lenses of information and resources, social support, advocacy, and stigma management communication, case studies of two grassroots mental health advocacy groups were conducted. Analysis of 200 social media posts, interviews with 5 content creators, and interviews with 15 users of the groups' social media feeds identified five major themes: providing information and resources through peer support, using stories, encouragement and connection to provide peer support, using peer support to foster advocacy work amongst users, progressing through stigma management communication strategies from accepting to challenging, and the importance of what is left unsaid. The theoretical and practical implications of these themes are discussed in the final chapter.

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Evaluating the Prosper peer-led peer support network: a participatory, coproduced evaluation

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-12-2015-0045 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 80-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Steve Gillard ◽

Rhiannon Foster ◽

Kati Turner

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Social Movement ◽

Peer Support ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Support Network ◽

Content Type ◽

One To One

Purpose – A range of one-to-one, group and online approaches to peer support are increasingly complementing formal mental health service delivery. Evidence is emerging of the potential benefits and challenges of peer support for individuals, communities and organisations. There is more limited evidence describing peer-led peer support networks. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In an evaluation of Prosper, a peer-led, peer support network and social movement, members of the network played a participatory role in the design, conduct and interpretative work of the evaluation. An online survey, one-to-one interviews and group discussions were used. Findings – The evaluation describes an evolving network with planning and development meetings constituting core activity for many members alongside a monthly training programme supporting people to set up their own activities. There were strong shared values, and consensus that Prosper could strengthen social networks, improve individual well-being and impact on the way people used mental health services. Challenges were identified around feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability in relation to involvement in the network. Research limitations/implications – The participatory nature of the evaluation adds value to the learning offered. This was a descriptive evaluation; potential is indicated for the more formal modelling and testing of peer-led network and social movement initiatives. Practical implications – Clarity is needed on the relationship of the network to statutory mental health services – specifically around taking on a “service provider” role – and on the advantages and challenges of a “hybrid” organisational model that combines traditional, hierarchical and new distributed forms of leadership and structure. Social implications – Prosper demonstrated potential to create a sense of common culture based on sharing lived experience and mutual peer support, providing an alternative to the traditional culture of mental health services. Originality/value – This paper offers wider learning derived from evaluation of a highly original initiative in peer leadership, network structure and interface with statutory mental health services.

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The Public Psychiatrist as Advocate

Public and Community Psychiatry ◽

10.1093/med/9780190907914.003.0010 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 193-220

Author(s):

Ebony Dix ◽

Ayana Jordan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Political Leaders ◽

Health Advocacy ◽

The Public ◽

Historical Significance ◽

Professional Advocacy ◽

People Of Influence ◽

The 19Th Century ◽

Learning Points ◽

Mental Health Advocacy

Given the credibility many physicians possess with legislators, political leaders, and other policymakers, along with people of influence such as thought leaders and activists, community psychiatrists play an important role in patient advocacy. Contemporary professional advocacy is rooted in mental health advocacy generally, beginning with Dorothea Dix’s asylum movement in the 19th century. This chapter reviews the historical significance of mental illness and the underpinnings of modern-day mental health advocacy. It then discusses the community psychiatrist’s role in advocating for mental health care, primary prevention, community awareness, and social justice. It includes examples of the community psychiatrist effectively serving in the advocate role, and it explains the how and where to learn about public policy and advocacy skills. It concludes with a summary of key learning points.

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