Perspectives in Mental Health Crisis is a four-part series examining the experiences of Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) as they navigate, utilize, and provide crisis services. "Building Resilience,” the fourth and final installment of the “Perspectives in Mental Health Crisis” series, provides insight into how to avoid or lessen the negative impact of a mental health crisis. We will hear firsthand from peers who have experienced extraordinary hardship how they were able to hold onto the things that mattered most to them, such as employment, housing, and relationships, through situations and circumstances that would challenge the wellness of anyone, in mental health recovery or not. We will also hear from some highly experienced and well-regarded trainers about some of the formal skills peers can develop to enhance their resilience and prepare for the next situation life throws at them.
The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network believes in the ability of everyone living with mental health concerns to enjoy lives of purpose, meaning, productivity, and wellness. Since it was founded in 1991, this grassroots nonprofit organization has been led and run by mental health peers—people in mental health recovery. At its core, the basis of peer support—one person using their lived experience to support another—is not new; in fact, it is the basis of human growth and development. Mental health peers with special training are now able to use their lived recovery experience in clinical settings to provide something beyond a diagnosis or medication.
Roslind D. Hayes, BS, CPS-AD, CARES, WHWC is the Statewide Coordinator of the GMHCN's Peer Support, Wellness, and Respite Centers. She is a trainer/facilitator for the Certified Peer Specialist Project, Peer Zone, and Intentional Peer Support.
Chris Johnson, MFA, CPS, CPS-AD is GMHCN's Director of Communications. He is responsible for sharing information about recovery and wellness opportunities to behavioral health peers and providers across Georgia.
