Effective preparation is key to successful peer support sessions. You have the flexibility to schedule sessions for 30, 60, or 90 minutes, but occasionally, discussions may reach a lull where it seems like there’s nothing more to add. During such moments, having a set of topics or questions at the ready can be invaluable. These prepared topics and questions can serve as a lifeline to reinvigorate the conversation and keep it flowing smoothly.

Some examples of topics or questions you might be able to use for your future sessions (feel free to use any/all of them!): 

Anxiety-related questions:

• Understanding Anxiety:
  • What is anxiety, and how does it manifest differently in individuals?
• Causes and Triggers:
  • What are the common causes and triggers of anxiety? Are there specific experiences or events that have contributed to your anxiety?
• Coping Strategies:
  • What strategies or techniques have you found effective in managing your anxiety? Are there any that you’ve tried but found unhelpful?
• Physical vs. Mental Symptoms:
  • How do physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., racing heart, shortness of breath) relate to the mental aspects (e.g., worry, fear)?
• Anxiety in Relationships:
  • How does anxiety affect your relationships with family, friends, or partners? How can loved ones support someone with anxiety?
• Mindfulness and Meditation:
  • Have you explored mindfulness or meditation as tools for managing anxiety? What has been your experience with these practices?
• Professional Help:
  • When should someone consider seeking professional help for anxiety, and what types of treatments or therapies are available?
• Anxiety and Self-esteem:
  • How does anxiety impact self-esteem and self-worth? What strategies can help build self-confidence in the face of anxiety?
• Anxiety and Lifestyle:
  • How does lifestyle, including factors like diet, exercise, and sleep, influence anxiety levels?
• Long-term Goals:
  • What are your long-term goals for managing and reducing anxiety? How do you envision your life without overwhelming anxiety?

Depression-related questions:

• The Nature of Depression:
  • What is your understanding of depression, and how do you think it differs from sadness?
• Stigma and Mental Health:
  • How can we reduce the stigma surrounding depression and mental health issues in society?
• Personal Experiences:
  • Can you share a personal experience with depression or someone close to you? How did it affect you or them?
• Causes and Triggers:
  • What do you believe are some common causes or triggers of depression in today’s world?
• Coping Mechanisms:
  • What coping strategies have you found effective for managing depressive episodes?
• Support Systems:
  • How important are supportive relationships and a strong social network in dealing with depression?
• Mental Health Treatment:
  • What are your thoughts on different treatment options for depression, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes?
• Cultural and Gender Perspectives:
  • How do cultural and gender factors influence how depression is perceived and experienced?
• Positive Aspects:
  • Can depression lead to personal growth or positive transformations in some cases? How?
• Preventive Measures:
  • What proactive steps can individuals take to prevent or mitigate the risk of depression in their lives?

Relationship struggle-related questions:

• Communication Breakdown:
  • How do you and your partner handle misunderstandings or miscommunications in your relationship? Can you think of a recent example and discuss how it was resolved (or not)?
• Balancing Independence and Togetherness:
  • How do you strike a balance between spending quality time together and maintaining your individual interests and identities within the relationship?
• Trust and Jealousy:
  • Have there been instances of jealousy or trust issues in your relationship? How do you both address and work through these feelings?
• Long-term Goals and Compatibility:
  • How aligned are your long-term goals and values with your partners? Are there any major differences that have caused tension or concern?
• Conflict Resolution Styles:
  • What are your and your partner’s typical approaches to resolving conflicts? Are there any patterns you’ve noticed in the way you argue or make up?
• Past Baggage and Insecurities:
  • How have your past experiences and insecurities influenced your behavior or attitudes in the relationship? Have you discussed these with your partner?
• Intimacy and Emotional Connection:
  • How do you maintain emotional intimacy in your relationship? Are there times when you’ve felt disconnected, and if so, how did you address it?
• External Influences:
  • How do external factors like work, family, or friends impact your relationship? Are there any external pressures or stressors that have caused strain?
• Future Planning:
  • Have you discussed your visions for the future of the relationship, such as marriage, children, or shared living arrangements? Are you both on the same page?
• Self-Care and Relationship Care:
  • How do you prioritize self-care and taking care of your own well-being while also nurturing the health of your relationship? Are there times when this balance becomes challenging?

Self-care and healing-related questions:

• Meaning of self-care
  • What does self-care mean to you, and how do you prioritize it in your daily life?
• Self-care vs self-indulgence
  • How do you differentiate between self-care and self-indulgence? Are there times when they overlap?
• Self-compassion
  • Can you share a personal experience where practicing self-compassion played a significant role in your healing journey?
• Mindfulness and meditation
  • What role does mindfulness and meditation play in your self-care routine? How do you incorporate them into your daily life?
• Boundaries in relationships 
  • How do you set boundaries in relationships to ensure your self-care and well-being are protected?
• Misconceptions 
  • What are some common misconceptions about self-care, and how can we dispel them?
• Managing stress and promoting emotional healing 
  • What strategies or techniques have you found most effective in managing stress and promoting emotional healing?
• Setbacks and self-doubt
  • How do you deal with setbacks or moments of self-doubt on your path to healing and self-improvement?
• Creativity and self-expression 
  • In what ways can creativity and artistic expression be therapeutic for self-care and healing?
• Societal and cultural influences
  • How do you think societal or cultural influences impact our perceptions of self-care, and how can we overcome these influences to prioritize our well-being?

Narcissism and emotional abuse-related questions:

• Red flags and recognition
  • What are the common signs and red flags of narcissistic abuse, and how can individuals recognize them in their relationships?
• Rebuilding self-esteem and self-worth
  • How does emotional abuse impact a survivor’s self-esteem and self-worth, and what are some strategies for rebuilding these after abuse?
• Cycle of abuse
  • Can you explain the cycle of abuse in emotionally abusive relationships and how survivors can break free from it?
• Gaslighting and reality
  • What role does gaslighting play in emotional abuse, and how can survivors regain their sense of reality and self-trust?
• Coping mechanisms
  • How does narcissistic abuse affect the mental and emotional well-being of survivors, and what are some coping mechanisms for healing?
• Leaving an abusive relationship
  • What are the challenges and obstacles survivors of narcissistic abuse face when trying to leave an abusive relationship, and how can they navigate these difficulties?
• Impact on children
  • What is the impact of narcissistic abuse on children who grow up in such environments, and how can parents protect their children from emotional abuse?
• Support from friends and family
  • How can friends and family members of survivors provide support and help them on their journey to healing and recovery?
• Therapeutic approaches
  • Are there therapeutic approaches or self-help techniques that have proven effective in helping survivors of narcissistic abuse overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives?
• Protection and safety
  • What are some legal and practical steps survivors can take to protect themselves from further abuse and ensure their safety as they exit an abusive relationship?

Grief and loss-related questions:

• Impaction of profound loss 
  • What is the most profound loss you’ve experienced in your life, and how did it impact you emotionally and spiritually?
• Grief and mourning
  • How do cultural and societal expectations influence the way we grieve and mourn the loss of a loved one?
• Comfort and solace
  • Can you share a specific memory or story about someone you’ve lost that still brings you comfort or solace?
• Strategies and coping mechanisms 
  • What strategies or coping mechanisms have you found most helpful in navigating the complex emotions of grief?
• Stages of grief
  • How does the grieving process evolve over time, and what can we learn from the different stages of grief?
• Creative expression in grief
  • In what ways can creative expression, such as writing, art, or music, be therapeutic for individuals experiencing grief?
• Support from friends/family
  • How can friends and family best support someone who is grieving without imposing their own expectations or judgments?
• Anticipatory grief vs grief after a loss
  • Have you ever experienced anticipatory grief, and how did it differ from the grief experienced after a loss has occurred?
• Spirituality or faith
  • What role does spirituality or faith play in helping individuals find meaning and healing in the face of loss?
• Honoring the memories of loved ones
  • How can we honor the memory of our loved ones and keep their legacies alive in our lives and the lives of future generations?

General mental health-related questions:

• The Stigma of Mental Health:
  • How can we reduce the stigma around mental health issues in society?
• Mental Health and Identity:
  • How does one’s cultural background or identity affect their mental health experiences?
• The Impact of Social Media:
  • How does excessive use of social media influence our mental well-being, and what strategies can we use to mitigate its negative effects?
• Mindfulness and Meditation:
  • How can mindfulness practices and meditation contribute to better mental health, and how can we incorporate them into our daily lives?
• The Role of Nutrition and Exercise:
  • How does diet and physical activity affect mental health, and what are some practical ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
• Mental Health in the Workplace:
  • How can employers create a more supportive environment for employees’ mental health, and how can individuals navigate workplace stress?
• The Connection Between Trauma and Mental Health:
  • How does past trauma impact one’s mental health, and what therapeutic approaches are effective in addressing trauma-related issues?
• Technology and Mental Health Apps:
  • What are the pros and cons of using mental health apps and online resources for managing mental health concerns?
• Family Dynamics and Mental Health:
  • How can family dynamics either support or hinder an individual’s mental well-being, and how can we foster healthier family relationships?
• Self-Care and Self-Compassion:
  • What are some practical self-care techniques, and how can we cultivate self-compassion as a means of improving our mental health?

Other support topics-related questions:

ADHD

• ADHD and Its Impact on Daily Life:
  • How does ADHD affect your daily routines and activities?
  • What strategies have you found helpful in managing ADHD symptoms in your daily life?
• ADHD Medication and Treatment:
  • What are your thoughts on medication as a treatment for ADHD?
  • Are there alternative or complementary therapies you’ve tried or considered?
• ADHD in Children vs. Adults:
  • How does ADHD manifest differently in children compared to adults?
  • What unique challenges do adults with ADHD face, and how can they overcome them?
• ADHD and Relationships:
  • How does ADHD impact relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners?
  • What communication strategies can help people with ADHD and their loved ones navigate these challenges?
• ADHD and Academic/Career Success:
  • How can individuals with ADHD excel in academics or their careers despite their symptoms?
  • Are there specific strategies or accommodations that have worked well for you or someone you know?
• ADHD and Co-Existing Conditions:
  • What are some common co-existing conditions or comorbidities often associated with ADHD, and how do they interact?
  • How can healthcare professionals effectively address multiple conditions in ADHD patients?
• ADHD and Self-Perception:
  • How does having ADHD affect self-esteem and self-perception?
  • What strategies can help individuals with ADHD build a positive self-image?
• ADHD in the Workplace:
  • How can employers create a more inclusive and supportive environment for employees with ADHD?
  • What advice do you have for individuals with ADHD navigating their careers?
• ADHD and Creativity/Productivity:
  • Is there a link between ADHD and creativity or productivity?
  • How can individuals harness their unique strengths related to ADHD traits?
• ADHD Research and Future Developments:
  • What recent developments or research findings in the field of ADHD are particularly exciting or promising?
  • How might future advancements in understanding ADHD impact diagnosis and treatment?

Assertive communication-related questions

• Passive vs aggressive styles
  • What is assertive communication, and how does it differ from passive and aggressive communication styles?
• Resolving conflict
  • Can you share a personal experience where assertive communication was effective in resolving a conflict or achieving a goal?
• Overcoming barriers
  • What are some common barriers to practicing assertive communication, and how can individuals overcome them?
• Assertive vs empathetic and understanding
  • How can one strike a balance between being assertive and being empathetic and understanding in their communication?
• Strategies
  • What strategies can help someone develop assertiveness skills and confidently express their needs and opinions?
• Outside influence
  • How does culture and upbringing influence one’s communication style and ability to be assertive?
• Challenging situations
  • In what situations might it be challenging to be assertive, and what alternative approaches can be used effectively?
• Using ineffective communication styles
  • What are the potential consequences of consistently using passive or aggressive communication styles in personal and professional relationships?
• Improve conflict and enhance collaboration
  • How can assertive communication improve conflict resolution and enhance collaboration within a team or family?
• Ethical considerations
  • Are there ethical considerations when practicing assertive communication, especially in situations where it may clash with someone else’s interests or values?

LGBTQIA+ related questions

• Coming Out Stories:
  • Can you share your coming out story? How did it impact your relationships and self-acceptance?
• Intersectionality:
  • How do issues of race, gender, and sexuality intersect within the LGBTQ+ community, and what challenges does this create?
• Representation in Media:
  • How has the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in media evolved over the years, and what impact does representation have on society?
• Conversion Therapy:
  • What are the dangers and ethical concerns surrounding conversion therapy, and how can we work to ban it worldwide?
• Pronouns and Identity:
  • Why are gender pronouns important, and how can we create a more inclusive society by respecting and using them correctly?
• Legal Rights:
  • What are the current legal battles and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in different parts of the world, and how can we advocate for change?
• Family Acceptance:
  • How can families become more supportive and accepting of their LGBTQ+ members, and what resources are available for both families and individuals?
• Mental Health:
  • What are the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, and how can we promote mental well-being within the community?
• Bisexuality and Pansexuality:
  • What are the misconceptions and stigmas surrounding bisexuality and pansexuality, and how can we foster understanding?
• Religion and LGBTQ+ Identity:
  • How can religious communities become more inclusive and accepting of LGBTQ+ members, and how do individuals reconcile their faith with their identity?

Recovery-related questions

• Motivations for recovering
  • What motivated you to seek recovery from your addiction, and how has your motivation evolved over time?
    • Follow-up: How has your initial motivation affected your recovery journey?
• Overcoming challenges
  • Can you describe some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced during your recovery process, and how have you worked to overcome them?
    • Follow-up: What strategies or resources have been most helpful in overcoming these challenges?
• Managing cravings and triggers
  • How do you manage cravings and triggers that could potentially lead to a relapse?
    • Follow-up: Are there specific coping techniques or mindfulness practices that have been particularly effective for you?
• Rebuilding trust and connection
  • In what ways has your addiction impacted your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, and how are you rebuilding trust and connection?
    • Follow-up: Can you share an example of a meaningful moment or experience that helped repair a relationship?
• Self-compassion
  • What role does self-compassion play in your recovery journey, and how do you practice self-compassion on a daily basis?
    • Follow-up: Have you noticed any changes in your self-esteem and self-worth since embracing self-compassion?
• Relapse
  • How has the concept of relapse been a part of your recovery process, and what have you learned from relapses, if any?
    • Follow-up: How do you prevent guilt and shame from hindering your progress after a relapse?
• Support network
  • What strategies have you found effective in building a support network and seeking help from others who understand addiction?
    • Follow-up: How important is peer support in your recovery?
• Sense and purpose
  • How do you define and maintain a sense of purpose and meaning in your life after overcoming addiction?
    • Follow-up: Have your values and priorities shifted during your recovery journey?
• Connecting mental health and addiction recovery
  • Can you share some insights into the connection between mental health and addiction recovery, and how you address co-occurring issues?
    • Follow-up: What strategies have you found helpful in managing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges?
• Beginning on the path of recovery
  • Reflecting on your journey so far, what experience would you share with someone who is just beginning their path to recovery from addiction?
    • Follow-up: Are there any key lessons or insights that you wish you had known when you started your recovery journey?

Aging-related questions

• Challenges of growing older
  • What are the physical and emotional challenges of growing older, and how can individuals and society better support the elderly population?
• Perception of time
  • How does our perception of time change as we age, and how does it impact our priorities and decision-making?
• Intergenerational communication
  • What role does intergenerational communication play in bridging the generation gap and promoting understanding between different age groups?
• Perspectives
  • Can you share a personal experience or story that has significantly influenced your perspective on aging and the passage of time?
• Healthy view of mortality
  • How does the concept of mortality evolve as people age, and how can individuals come to terms with their own mortality in a healthy way?
• Technology and innovations
  • In what ways can technology and innovations in healthcare improve the quality of life for seniors and promote successful aging?
• Meaningful activities and new interests
  • What are the psychological and social benefits of staying engaged in meaningful activities and pursuing new interests in later life?
• Cultural and societal attitudes
  • How do cultural and societal attitudes towards aging impact the way people approach growing older and the expectations they have for their later years?
• Mental well-being
  • What is the relationship between mental health and aging, and what strategies can individuals employ to maintain good mental well-being as they get older?
• Creating a sense of purpose
  • How can families and communities create age-friendly environments that foster independence, social connection, and a sense of purpose for older adults?

Shame-related questions

• Guilt vs shame
  • What is the difference between guilt and shame, and how do they impact our behavior and self-perception?
• Learning from shame
  • Can you share a personal experience when you felt shame, and what did you learn from that experience?
• Shame manifestation in culture
  • How does shame manifest differently in various cultures, and what role does culture play in shaping our feelings of shame?
• Reframing shame as a negative emotion
  • Is shame always a negative emotion, or can it sometimes serve as a motivator for personal growth and change?
• Sources of shame in society
  • What are some common sources of shame in today’s society, and how do they affect our mental and emotional well-being?
• Remorse vs self-hatred
  • How can we differentiate between healthy shame (remorse) and toxic shame (self-hatred), and how can we address the latter?
• Generational shame
  • In what ways can shame be passed down through generations within families, and how can we break this cycle?
• Vulnerability and overcoming shame
  • What role does vulnerability play in overcoming shame, and how can we cultivate vulnerability in our relationships and personal lives?
• Societal expectations and norms
  • How do societal expectations and norms contribute to feelings of shame, and what can we do to challenge and change these expectations?
• Self-compassion
  • Can you explore the concept of self-compassion as a tool for managing and healing from shame, and how can we practice self-compassion in our daily lives?

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of all of the topics that ShareWell has to offer. Please, feel free to take as many or as little as you think is relevant or might help you in any future sessions. Remember, these are just suggestions. We want you to enjoy hosting, and we deeply value and appreciate what you are giving to the ShareWell community.