Words like peer pressure and peer validation may sound familiar. These terms are often spoken about in our professional, personal and social lives. Hence, you may be aware that peers play an important role in our lives and constantly influence our actions and well-being. With this blog, let’s see how! Let’s consider an example. Research supports that having a supportive and positive social circle facilitates easy coping and effective management of daily challenges. According to one study, the perceived importance of peers is increasing among college students. Interaction with peers is related to various favourable student outcomes including an impact on academics, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills. This blog will help you in comprehending and gaining a deeper understanding of what the term PEER includes, as well as how we may use peer support to enhance our well-being.
Peer, in simple words, refers to a person of similar age and experiences. As outstation students who live far away from their family and friends, making friends and acquaintances can present itself as a challenge. For instance, when a student shifts to their college city they are disconnected from their peers due to a different culture. There may be language barriers or differences of opinion between an outstation student and their peers who reside locally. Regardless of how challenging this task is, it is important to settle and adapt to a new environment. Hence, having a supportive peer group might help you cope with the examination stress of college, and homesickness while also helping you navigate a new city. Peers can help come through the changes emotionally but also sometimes, equip you with resources.
Understanding peer support groups!
Now that we have understood why peer groups are important, let us see where the concept of peer support groups comes in. Support groups bring together people who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. For example, these experiences might include severe stressors such as addiction and grief or everyday challenges such as managing workload and finding housing. As outstation students, connecting with people who are going through similar experiences can help battle the sense of isolation that accompanies everyday challenges.
Being a part of a support group helps one share first-hand experiences, gain insight into the lives of people who may be facing similar issues and learn from how they have been coping.
The nature of support groups can vary. Support groups can include face-to-face meetings, teleconferences or even online communities. The group may be led by a professional facilitator, such as a nurse, social worker or psychologist. Some support groups may also offer educational opportunities, such as need-based workshops with professionals like a doctor, psychologists, nurses or social workers.
How to find yourself a peer support group?
It may appear that locating a peer support group in India is very difficult. It is true that it may be challenging, but it is not impossible. There are several ways to learn about these groups. For example, you enquire with your college administration about the existence of such support groups. Similarly, you can also contact your college counsellor and request that they connect you with a support group.
There are several ways to join peer support groups in India:
Online Platforms: There are several online platforms, such as Meetup, Facebook, and Google Groups, that connect individuals with similar interests or struggles. You can search for peer support groups in your city or region on these platforms and request to join.
Mental Health Organisations: Many mental health organisations in India offer peer support groups as part of their services. You can search for these organisations in your area, contact them, and ask about their peer support groups and how to join. The mind clan, The healing studio and Let’s discuss the meh are a few such examples!
Hotlines and Helplines: Some hotlines and helplines, such as the National Mental Health Helpline, provide referrals to peer support groups in your area.
Community Centers: Community centres, such as youth centres and community health centres, may offer peer support groups as part of their services. You can check with local community centres to see if they offer peer support groups and how to join.
It's important to note that peer support groups are not a substitute for professional mental health services, but they can be a valuable source of support and information for people living with mental health conditions.
We would love you hear your feedback-
References
Bankole Adeyemi, F. (2019). Peer group influence on academic performance of undergraduate students in Babcock University, Ogun State. African Educational Research Journal, 7(2), 81–87. https://doi.org/10.30918/aerj.72.19.010