How do you stay informed about mental health trends?

1 Follow reputable sources

One of the easiest ways to stay informed about mental health trends is to follow reputable sources that publish reliable and evidence-based information. These can include professional associations, government agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations that specialize in mental health. For example, you can check out the websites and newsletters of the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organization, and Mental Health America. You can also subscribe to journals and magazines that cover mental health topics, such as Psychiatric Services, Psychology Today, and The Lancet Psychiatry.

2 Join online communities

Another way to stay informed about mental health trends is to join online communities that foster peer learning and exchange. These can include forums, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and social media platforms that cater to peer support workers and mental health professionals. For example, you can join the Peer Support Network, the Peer Support Workers Facebook Group, the Peer Support Talk Podcast, and the Peer Support Webinar Series. You can also follow hashtags and accounts that share mental health news and insights, such as #MentalHealthMatters, #PeerSupport, and @NAMICommunicate.

3 Attend events and trainings

A third way to stay informed about mental health trends is to attend events and trainings that offer opportunities to network, learn, and update your skills. These can include conferences, workshops, courses, and seminars that focus on mental health issues and peer support practices. For example, you can attend the Annual Alternatives Conference, the International Association of Peer Supporters Conference, the Mental Health First Aid Course, and the Peer Specialist Training Program. You can also look for local and regional events and trainings that are relevant to your interests and needs.

4 Seek feedback and supervision

A fourth way to stay informed about mental health trends is to seek feedback and supervision from your peers, supervisors, and mentors. These can provide you with valuable insights, perspectives, and advice on how to improve your peer support work and cope with the challenges and changes in the field. For example, you can participate in peer supervision groups, peer mentoring programs, peer coaching sessions, and peer evaluation processes. You can also ask for feedback and supervision from your clients, colleagues, and managers.

5 Engage in self-care and reflection

A fifth way to stay informed about mental health trends is to engage in self-care and reflection. These can help you to maintain your well-being, resilience, and motivation as a peer support worker. They can also help you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and learning needs. For example, you can practice mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and exercise. You can also keep a journal, a portfolio, or a personal development plan that tracks your progress and achievements.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?