[Essay] Thinking about peer support while writing on note
In my 30s, I developed schizophrenia
triggered by postpartum psychosis.
I am now in remission and living a peaceful daily life.
In this note, I write about daily events, stories about my family,
short stories, and poems, but
there is one more thing
that I hold dear.
That is "peer support."
In my view, a peer supporter
is someone who, from the position of having experienced the same illness,
shares their own experiences
so that others might find even a little bit of hope,
supporting each other.
However, since we are not professionals,
I believe the strength of a peer supporter
is being able to talk
from the same perspective.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been cases where peer supporters
could not easily enter hospitals,
and it seems there is a reality
where the scope of our activities has narrowed.
I don't know how much I can be of help.
Even so, I believe there are things I can convey precisely because I have had the same experience.
I started this note for the simple reason that I wanted to try it,
but now, perhaps, just a little bit,
by putting what I have done into a tangible form,
if someone sees it
and thinks, 'Maybe this way of thinking isn't so bad,'
that is what I hope for.
To be honest, I think reaching remission
might be a bit of a miracle.
Rather than saying schizophrenia is cured,
I think it might be more accurate to think of it as
living with it and maintaining stability.
Perhaps I can't understand the feelings of those who haven't reached remission.
But I think there are many feelings
that I can understand precisely because I have had the same illness.
I hope that as many people as possible
can get even a little better and live their lives with more ease.
Including myself, of course,
maintaining stability is the most important thing.
I would be happy if I could create posts that
make those who read my notes feel something, even just a little.
By the way...
A report for those who read until the end.
I have been able to start as a peer supporter.
It is still just the beginning ☺️
I set my poem to music.
Please listen to it if you would like.
Thank you for reading until the end.