In this powerful story and video, we learn about Antonio Lambert, a man who had a difficult upbringing and childhood, and who has since had a long history battling dual diagnoses; both depression and addiction. Though Lambert's psychiatric history has had countless ups and downs and relapses, he has found a system that works for him; a combination of medication, faith, and most importantly companionship.
In fact, Lambert is now a peer specialist who works at a local mental health clinic, connecting to and providing support for those who are battling the same demons he dealt with and continues to deal with. For Lambert though, his work in peer-support is more than just a one way street as he's found it not only to be therapeutic and beneficial for the individuals he works with, but for himself as well.
"He feels he needs a peer himself, someone with a history who knows what it looks like — from the inside — to be struggling mentally, deep in trouble, and feeling dead out of options. Someone who can be an advocate, a companion, who can share his or her own story: who can simply be there, if that’s what it takes.
Mental health researchers have tested the effect of peers in a variety of settings over the past decade. When they are “specialized” — that is, their history is similar to that of their clients, the way Mr. Lambert and others teach it — peers tend to reduce the rate of psychiatric hospitalizations and, where appropriate, increase the use of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous."
In fact, Lambert is now a peer specialist who works at a local mental health clinic, connecting to and providing support for those who are battling the same demons he dealt with and continues to deal with. For Lambert though, his work in peer-support is more than just a one way street as he's found it not only to be therapeutic and beneficial for the individuals he works with, but for himself as well.
"He feels he needs a peer himself, someone with a history who knows what it looks like — from the inside — to be struggling mentally, deep in trouble, and feeling dead out of options. Someone who can be an advocate, a companion, who can share his or her own story: who can simply be there, if that’s what it takes.
Mental health researchers have tested the effect of peers in a variety of settings over the past decade. When they are “specialized” — that is, their history is similar to that of their clients, the way Mr. Lambert and others teach it — peers tend to reduce the rate of psychiatric hospitalizations and, where appropriate, increase the use of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous."
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