No one would deny a person in recovery from cancer, or a person living with diabetes, the opportunity to contribute to the shaping and delivery of cancer or diabetes care. Persons in recovery from mental illnesses have insider knowledge of what it takes to have a life well lived with mental illness. In fact, two of the most influential visionaries in the history of mental health policy, Dorothea L. Dix and Clifford W. Beers32 had their own experiences of mental illness. Based on the credibility and trustworthiness fostered by their lived experience, their passion to give back, and their dedication to making recovery a reality for others who suffer with mental illness, other people in recovery (ie, peers) can also make invaluable contributions to better outcomes by advocating for, transforming, expanding, and providing effective mental health services.
via Revisiting the Rationale and Evidence for Peer Support | Psychiatric Times
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