By Mandy Davis, June 11, 2020, Trauma Informed Oregon.
This newsletter is focused on the trauma informed care (TIC) principle of Peer Support and Mutual-Self Help. You are going to learn about some amazing peer support programs from the contributors in this newsletter. I want to share my thoughts about how I understand the intention of this principle—that healing and wellness happens best when we are in the company of those that understand what we are going through because they have a shared experience. We need to have spaces where people can be seen and heard for their whole selves. Spaces where Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) do not have to say a word to still be understood, or can say whatever is needed and there not be repercussions. Spaces where a LGTBQAI2S+ person does not have to deny a part of their self to make others comfortable. Spaces where a survivor does not have to hide their struggle to stay present and engaged to be in community with others.
There are many examples of peer support and mutual self-help in response to the public health crisis of COVID-19. Groups and neighbors forming to offer to go grocery shopping, make masks, or help to pay rent. We also see this as we address the public health crisis of racism that Leslie Gregory has been educating us about for years (see campaign here)—joining with peers to advocate, hold accountable, and make changes.
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