Discovering Peer Support
Peer support wasn’t a phrase I heard often, and I didn’t fully understand it until I needed it.
Two years ago, I was in an emotionally abusive relationship. Recovery from that experience changed the course of my life. I saw a therapist and spoke with friends, but I still felt lonely and isolated.
When I discovered peer support, everything shifted. For the first time, I found people who truly understood me because they had lived through similar situations. I could share my story without guilt or shame. Even more powerful—I began regaining confidence and purpose by holding space for others to share as well.
That discovery inspired me to create ShareWell. Fast forward one year, and I’ve now hosted more than 100 peer support sessions. Here are some of my biggest learnings from over 100 hours of giving and receiving peer support.
How to Really Listen
Listening sounds simple, but it’s not always easy. True listening means giving someone your full attention without interruption or trying to “fix” them.
I learned that listening without judgment and with genuine curiosity can be one of the greatest gifts for someone in pain.
Peer Support Gives You Agency
Peer support helped me reclaim my power. I no longer felt ashamed of my past. Instead, I found strength in using my experience to help others.
People Are Hurting
Now more than ever, people need support. Studies show that post-pandemic anxiety and depression rose by 25% in the U.S. alone. Yet, resources remain limited.
My hope is that ShareWell can bridge that gap by offering accessible peer support for everyone.
It’s Not Always Obvious Who Needs Help
Over the past year, I’ve spoken with thousands of people. Many seemed put together on the outside—outgoing, confident, even extroverted. Yet beneath that surface, each person was carrying their own battle.
Talking to people reminded me that everyone is going through something, whether they show it or not.
Friends and Peers Play Different Roles
Friends are people we love and spend time with, but they can’t always empathize with what we’ve been through. Peers, on the other hand, may not be part of our daily lives, but they get it.
By embracing both, we can get the support we need. Peer support also strengthens friendships by removing the strain of heavy conversations, allowing us to simply enjoy time together.
Learning to Empathize
Through peer support, I learned how to acknowledge and validate other people’s feelings. Giving someone space to share can empower them and remind them that their story matters.
Helping others through tough times has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
The Beautiful Connection of Peer Support
Peer support groups changed my life. I no longer experience traumatic flashbacks from my past relationship. My friendships have improved, my communication skills are stronger, and I’ve become a better listener.
But the most beautiful lesson is this: when you truly understand where someone is coming from, you realize how many similarities connect us.
In the last year, I’ve spoken with people from all ages and backgrounds across the world. Despite our differences, I found deep connection in each story.
A Solution for Loneliness
The pandemic made a lonely world feel even lonelier. More than half of Americans now report feeling isolated. I believe peer support is the long-overlooked solution.
I’m deeply grateful to all of our ShareWell members. After more than 100 hours of peer support, I feel incredibly lucky to have this global family of peers to lean on.
Join a Support Group: sharewellnow.com/online-support-groups
Join an Expert Coaching Group: https://sharewellnow.com/expert-coaching-groups
Leave a Reply