PEER

SUPPORT:

The answer is both yes and no. 

For Peer Support to work, it must become a culture and not just another program; it must encompass whole health: mind, body, and spirit. The culture of Peer Support that first responders most need right now is one that educates and provides resources that support a balance of mental, physical, and spiritual health, because the best research shows that all three of these domains are effected by the stress and trauma of the job. 

The ideal first responder Peer Support Programs of today are overcoming disruptive stigmas regarding mental health among first responder peers by being programs that over much more. Through strategic marketing and proactive performance, resources for non-mental health support can create a paradigm shift of perspective on peer support. In a nutshell, if peers turn to Peer Support for non-mental health support, they are far more likely to reach out when there is a mental health need.

Peer Support will not work if it is haphazardly tossed together and rolled out to peers as some sort of better-than-nothing approach. 

Peer Support will not work if its purpose and mission rests upon a mechanism of reactive mental first aid, with no proactive operation. 

Peer Support will not work if it continues its one dimensional approach to peers by focusing more on the treatment of issues, rather than the prevention of them in the first place. 

Some of the earliest studies done with relation to the value of peer support with regards to mental health, was with combat veterans from the middle east post 9/11.

One survey of more than 28,000 active-duty military personnel: talking with friends and family was the second most common coping strategy for dealing with stress, with 73 percent responding to using that strategy frequently or sometimes. Studies show that peer social support and cohesion function as protective factors for troops exposed to combat-related stressors, such as PTSD. Social support from peers in the period shortly after traumatic stress exposure has proven a protective factor for U.S. soldiers exposed to sexual assaults and other trauma.

(Martin L, Rosen LN, Durand DB, et al. Psychological and physical health effects of sexual assaults and non sexual traumas among male and female United States Army soldiers. Behavioral Medicine. 2000;26: 23–33.)

Several studies of Vietnam veterans found that returning veterans who experienced greater peer social support showed less PTSD than those who, for various reasons, were more isolated from their fellow soldiers. Summarized research from multiple studies indicates that cohesion in military units is associated with continued good performance under stressful conditions. 

(Stretch R. Post-traumatic stress disorder among US Army Reserve Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans. J. of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1985;53:935–936.)

Aside from research, the obvious conclusions exist: peers are more likely to be in tune with other peers, more likely to trust other peers, and more likely to open up to other peers.

(Bray RM, Pemberton MR, Hourani LL, et al. 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel)