Peer Reflections

Nurturing Wellness through Creativity and Compassion
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Category: Peer Support

  • Thankful For Day Treatment

    Grateful for the Day Treatment Program

    I don’t think I’ve mentioned this yet, but attending the day treatment program truly changed my life, and I’m deeply grateful for the nudge to attend—even though at the time it made me feel broken. The truth was, I was struggling with serious and persistent mental health issues. At first, attending was something I had to do. But at some point in the middle, I decided to fully commit and try the skills and suggestions being offered.

    It was through the trial-and-error phase that I learned the most about myself and experienced the most growth. The cool thing is, I can now see both sides of the coin. It would have been amazing to write a letter to my past self, to let her know that things would get better, that there would come a day when I would be proud of myself and have compassion for myself.

    Hindsight is a powerful place to observe, but it reignites a fire within me to continue sharing these stories of hardship and struggle. The world is full of people who suffer and struggle, and having been there, my heart breaks for both the pain of others and the old me.

    It makes sense now why I did things the way I did and made the choices I made back then. Being on this side of healing doesn’t make life any less challenging or problem-free, but I am grateful that I’ve learned to use the skills I gained to not only survive—but to thrive.

    And now, I feel called to share my journey with others—those just beginning their own paths or those currently in the depths of pain. There’s always room for the hard and ugly moments in life, and down the road, those struggles can actually become your superpower.

  • Gratitude Reflections: Pet Peeve

    If you’ve ever struggled with mental health and been fortunate enough to have someone to talk to during depression or hard days, you might have heard the phrase, “But you have so much to be thankful for.” While the intention behind these words is likely to offer comfort and support, for someone in the midst of a struggle, they can feel more like a slap in the face.

    The first time someone said this to me during my struggle, I felt like the smallest human in the world. I was already drowning in harmful, endless mind chatter: You’re a burden. No one understands you. You’re completely alone. These words, meant to comfort, only pushed me further into the hole of darkness I was trying to escape.

    In moments like these, gratitude felt impossible. I wasn’t thankful for anything because my focus was consumed by just wanting the suffering to end. Hearing about all the things I “should” be grateful for only made it worse, because I wasn’t thankful for them—and that felt like yet another failure on my part.

    In fact, the things I should have felt gratitude for were the very things I felt worst about. Being a mom felt impossible because I had nothing left to give. I felt like I was disappointing my husband by not keeping up with my marital duties. I convinced myself that my family would be better off without me. In the depths of that darkness, those words of “encouragement” only deepened my pain.

    What Would Have Helped Instead

    Down the road, I discovered phrases that were far more helpful. Simple, validating statements like:

    • “That’s a hard place to be in.”
    • “I know life feels heavy right now, but it can get better. What’s one thing you can do today for self-care?”
    • “How can I help?”

    Validation is such an underused superpower. It was exactly what I needed more of. For someone on the outside, it might have seemed like my misery was self-induced, but depression is a mental illness—my brain was fighting against my heart, and it was winning. The dark, distorted thoughts felt so real that I accepted them as truth. The only way out for me was professional and medical support.

    What to Avoid

    It’s hard for many people to understand that depression and mental illness aren’t about willpower or lack of faith. Telling someone they just need to pray more, or that they’re struggling because they’ve fallen away from God, isn’t helpful—it’s harmful.

    Pointing out someone’s struggles with addiction, drinking, or other coping mechanisms as the root of their problem also isn’t the answer. For someone deep in depression’s grip, drinking or other numbing behaviors might be the only way they know to shut off the overwhelming thoughts. These moments aren’t the time for interventions or lectures.

    What We Really Need

    In the darkest times, what we need most is someone to sit with us. To listen. To remind us that we are not alone. That our load is heavy, but we don’t have to carry it by ourselves.

    We need someone to cover us with love, to remind us that we are worthy, and to support us in seeking the help we need. PTSD research shows that those who struggle often experience real, physical changes in their brain. This isn’t a fault or a failure.

    We need to feel like we’re not a burden or an inconvenience. Sometimes, simply having someone acknowledge that truth can make all the difference. Together, we can lighten the load, and step by step, find a way to win the battle over the mind

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  • My Practice of Gratitude

    When I first began practicing gratitude, I didn’t have any grand plans or lofty expectations. My intention was simple: to just try it and see what would happen. At first, I found joy in random, seemingly insignificant things—a piece of grass on the stairs that looked like a smile, or a cloud shaped like a turtle.

    This practice unexpectedly transformed my life. As I began noticing and being grateful for small, quirky things, my focus started to shift. I found myself laughing more, often at things others might consider silly—like a rock that resembled a meatball from last night’s dinner. That laughter, though, became a cornerstone of my mental health recovery.

    Experimenting With Gratitude

    I’ll admit, my gratitude journal attempts were a bit of a rollercoaster. I started one about a million times, only for my entries to trail off after a couple of weeks. Instead of judging myself for not sticking to it, I decided to explore other methods.

    One day, I stumbled upon an old hobby from my school days: collaging. I flipped through magazines, cutting out words, phrases, flowers, and birds that brought me joy, and glued them onto paper. It was fun, creative, and personal. For a while, this became my go-to practice until self-doubt crept in. “I’m a grown adult making collages,” I thought, and I stopped.

    But the joy of that practice stayed with me. Later, I discovered mixed media art and found a way to combine my love of words and creativity. This practice allowed me to explore gratitude in a way that felt authentic and fulfilling.

    A Word Nerd’s Approach

    Being a self-proclaimed word nerd, I’ve always turned to words to make sense of the world. As part of my gratitude journey, I looked up the word grateful in the dictionary and wrote down its definition. Then, I dug into the thesaurus for synonyms and antonyms.

    This exercise became a meaningful ritual. Synonyms helped me see gratitude from new angles, while antonyms reminded me of what gratitude is not—helping me focus on the positivity I wanted to cultivate in my life. This practice of exploring words gave me a deeper connection to gratitude and became a way to ground myself during tough times.

    Gratitude Through Connection

    Most recently, my gratitude practice has evolved into something more outward-focused. I’ve started expressing gratitude directly to others, letting them know how they’ve inspired or impacted me. Whether it’s a simple thank-you or a heartfelt note, I hope to remind people that they matter. Even if they shrug it off, my intention is to show them how much of a difference they’re making just by being themselves.

    Finding Your Own Path

    Gratitude looks different for everyone, and that’s what makes it so special. My journey has been filled with trial and error, moments of joy, and even a few laughs along the way. Whether it’s journaling, creating art, exploring words, or connecting with others, I encourage you to find the practice that resonates most with you.

    What about you? How do you practice gratitude? Share your intentions, your favorite methods, or even the funny, quirky things you’ve noticed along the way.

  • How Gratitude Transformed My Life

    Gratitude has transformed my life. It shifted my negative thinking and allowed me to see beyond my own struggles. If you’ve experienced—or know someone who has dealt with—depression or other mental health challenges, you know how hard it can be to regulate emotions, form thoughts, or see the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. For me, gratitude became that tiny glimmer of hope I needed to keep moving forward.

    I’ve always valued authenticity, and I refused to fake it. I wasn’t about to say, “I’m grateful for the sun because it brings warmth to the earth,” when, deep down, I didn’t care. There were days when the world could’ve frozen over, and it wouldn’t have mattered to me. That’s the reality of struggling with mental health—it’s hard to feel anything when everything feels bleak and lifeless.

    I remember conversations about “just going through the motions” or “faking it until you make it.” Gratitude didn’t feel real to me, and I struggled to believe I could ever develop an “attitude of gratitude.” But I was challenged to just start—even if it felt fake.

    When I began practicing gratitude, I was skeptical. I remember pouring my morning coffee and muttering sarcastically, “I’m grateful for my coffee, I guess.” It felt forced and insincere, like just another buzzword everyone was throwing around. It took weeks—weeks—before I could name one thing I genuinely felt thankful for.

    I’m sharing this not to discourage anyone who already practices gratitude but to acknowledge those who feel like it’s out of reach. Maybe you’re someone who smiles on the outside while feeling lonely and lost inside. Maybe life feels overwhelming, and gratitude seems like just another “quick fix.” If this is you, please know you’re not alone.

    This space is peer-led, meaning I’ve been there too. I understand the darkness, the doubts, and the frustration. Healing doesn’t happen by forcing yourself to be grateful; it begins with acknowledging where you are right now. There’s no shame in struggling or in finding gratitude hard to grasp.

    The amazing thing about gratitude, though, is that the more you practice, the easier it becomes to find those little glimmers of hope. That sarcastic “thank you” for my coffee seven years ago? It was the start of a journey that has since led to moments of genuine connection and appreciation.

    Just the other day, I stopped by a coworker’s office to thank them for their energy and consistency. I told them how much I appreciated the way they care for others and show up every day. Did it make their day? I don’t know. But I hope my words reminded them they are seen, valued, and making a difference.

    Gratitude is powerful. It starts small and grows in unexpected ways. So if you’re curious about gratitude but don’t know where to begin, just start where you are. Be curious about what gratitude might look like for you. You never know how those small moments might shift your perspective and bring light into your life.

    Your Turn:
    What does gratitude mean to you? Is there something you’re curious about or want to explore further? If you’re hesitant, that’s okay. Start small and allow yourself the grace to grow into it. Who knows where the journey might take you?

  • Gratitude: A Glimmer of Hope

    Before The Glimmer

    Several years ago, I met with a therapist shortly after being discharged from the hospital’s mental health ward. This appointment was part of the safety plan established upon my release—a plan that felt like a daunting step into the unknown. During the session, the therapist shared several diagnoses that shook me to my core. I was in my late 30s, and hearing these words for the first time left me reeling. How could I have lived so long without understanding the struggles that had been shaping my life? Looking back, I realize this lack of awareness had led to years of numbing myself to the pain—something I’ll delve into another time.

    That session, however, became a significant turning point—not because of the therapist’s suggestion, but because of the decision I made afterward. When she brought up the idea of attending a day treatment program, I interpreted her words as judgmental and condescending, as though I was being passed off to someone else who could “handle me.” Her tone lingered in my mind, sharp and cold, making me feel like a burden rather than a person in need of help. It wasn’t framed as an opportunity for healing but rather a solution for someone who was “too much.” I left feeling small, broken, and resistant. 

    But somewhere deep inside, a spark of courage ignited. I realized I had a choice: I could let her tone discourage me, or I could focus on the possibility that day treatment might actually help. Deciding to look into the program—and eventually enrolling—took incredible bravery. That decision became the true turning point. It was me, not her, choosing to take control of my healing and seek support in an environment that felt more suitable for where I was at the time.

    When I started the program, I was required to meet with one of the therapists leading it. From the very first interaction, I was made to feel like a human—something I hadn’t felt in a long time. There were no masks, no toxic positivity, no blaming. Instead, I was met where I was: broken but welcomed, guided but never judged. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could see the faint outline of a path forward.

    The Day Treatment Program

    I can vividly recall the first day I attended the program. I walked into a large meeting room. Windows lined the back wall, letting in soft, natural light. Words of encouragement and posters about feelings hung on the walls. The chairs were arranged in a large circle. Other participants filed in, choosing seats and engaging in small talk. I sat alone, nervous and ready to leave the moment I arrived.

    Each morning in day treatment started with a round robin of three questions, one of which was, “What’s one thing you’re thankful for?” When my turn came, my mind went blank. I wasn’t the first to answer, but each response—gratefulness for food, being in treatment—felt hollow to me. I didn’t relate. I wasn’t thankful for anything. Deep down, I felt empty, just a shell of a person sitting there.

    I could have passed or repeated something generic, but that wasn’t me. I’ve always valued authenticity, and if I don’t feel it, I won’t fake it. So, when my turn came, I said, “I’m grateful for nothing.” Surprisingly, some nodded, admitting they’d felt the same way before.

    I instantly felt welcomed. I was in a place where others understood me. I wasn’t judged for my non-answer. I wasn’t cast aside for speaking my truth, and it was liberating. It was at that moment that my outer shell, hardened by mental illness, began to soften. I could finally hear what others shared about the reasons behind gratitude—and I started to believe that practicing gratitude might be worth my time and effort.

    Invitation To Notice With Curiosity

    We are all walking unique paths through life, and I won’t pretend to know exactly where you are on yours. Maybe you’ve just been released from the hospital. Maybe you’re feeling stuck, repeating old patterns. Or maybe you’re looking for a small nudge forward. Wherever you find yourself, ask yourself this: Where are you on your gratitude journey?

    Is it hard to think of even one thing to be thankful for, as it once was for me? Or are you beginning to notice glimmers of gratitude in your day-to-day life?

    Here’s my invitation: Take a moment to reflect. Where are you now? No judgment. No need to act yet. Just notice with curiosity. Make a mental note—or share in the comments below if you feel comfortable.

    As this blog unfolds, we’ll explore gratitude and other skills step by step. For now, let’s begin with this simple practice: just notice.

  • Behind Peer Reflections

    Digital Art by Shannon

    Hello again, friends. In this post, I want to share a bit more about myself, the person behind Peer Reflections, and how my journey led me here. I believe our stories connect us, and through sharing mine, I hope you’ll feel inspired and understood as you navigate your own.

    My Journey to Here

    Years ago, I found myself in one of the darkest periods of my life. Depression, panic attacks, and overwhelming anxiety consumed me. I wrestled with thoughts that terrified me and eventually reached a breaking point. With the encouragement of my therapist, I entered a day treatment program, a decision that would change everything.

    At first, I wasn’t sure how much I could take from the program. I felt broken and unsure if healing was possible. But the staff’s authenticity and unwavering support planted a small seed of hope. They met me where I was, validating my pain and encouraging me to try. Slowly, I began to apply the skills I was learning, tweaking them to fit my life, and over time, I started to notice changes.

    Graduating from that program was a milestone, and not long after, I was offered the opportunity to serve as a Peer Support Specialist. It felt like a calling. Encouraging others, sharing my lived experience, and helping people see their own strength came naturally to me. I was able to hold space for others, cheering them on in their healing journey, just as others had done for me. It was deeply rewarding, but also challenging in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

    While working as a Peer Support Specialist, I learned some of the most important lessons of my life: the value of boundaries, the necessity of self-compassion, and the courage it takes to prioritize your own healing. These lessons ultimately led me to step back from that role and focus on rebuilding myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

    Why I Created Peer Reflections

    Through everything, I’ve come to believe that our stories—our reflections—are powerful. They show us where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and where we hope to go. Peer Reflections is my way of creating a space where those reflections can happen safely and without judgment. A place where we celebrate bravery, growth, and the beautiful messiness of being human.

    Although I won’t dive too deeply into specifics right now, I have been diagnosed with mental health challenges that have shaped my journey. These diagnoses are part of my story, but they don’t define me. Instead, they’ve taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of tending to our mental health with care and compassion

    This blog is a continuation of my journey, a way to connect with you and share the tools, insights, and hope I’ve gathered along the way. Together, I believe we can create a community that uplifts and inspires each other to keep going, even when the road feels impossible.

    Thank you for being here, for taking the time to read, and for being open to reflecting alongside me. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.

    With courage,
    Shannon

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  • Welcome To Peer Reflections

    imagery of my peek into my heart: looking beyond the surface to uncover the beauty, complexity, and potential within each of us.
    Photo by Shannon

    Welcome to Peer Reflections!

    Greetings, dear readers! I’m Shannon, and I’m so thrilled to welcome you to Peer Reflections, a space crafted with heart, hope, and authenticity. This blog is a labor of love inspired by my personal journey through mental health recovery and my experiences as a Peer Support Specialist. Whether you’re beginning your journey, deep in the trenches, or seeking to learn more about personal growth and mental wellness, this space is for you.

    What Is Peer Reflections?

    At its core, Peer Reflections is about connection and introspection. “Peer” reflects the idea of holding space for one another with compassion, understanding, and empathy. As someone who has walked the path of mental health challenges, I know the power of being supported by someone who truly gets it—someone who has lived through pain and emerged with hope. “Reflections” represents the brave act of looking within ourselves—even when it’s hard—to grow, heal, and become more aligned with who we truly are. This blog will weave these two ideas together, fostering a supportive community and encouraging self-discovery.

    The Purpose of Peer Reflections

    This blog exists to encourage and empower you to do the work—to explore the parts of yourself that might feel scary or uncomfortable. It’s about finding the courage to notice unhealthy patterns, challenge core beliefs that no longer serve you, and celebrate the victories along the way. Through personal stories, practical tools, and hard-won lessons, I aim to create a space that is:

    • Encouraging: Cheering you on as you navigate your path.
    • Validating: Offering empathy and understanding, no matter where you are in your journey.
    • Supportive: Sharing real-life strategies that worked for me (and the moments they didn’t).
    • Compassionate: Reminding you that growth takes time and that every step forward matters.

    Why I’m Here

    My journey into mental health recovery began when I joined a support group filled with people who celebrated my little wins and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. It was there that I learned the value of showing up for myself, even when it was hard. Years later, as a Peer Support Specialist, I had the privilege of holding space for others in the same way. Now, through Peer Reflections, I’m bringing that same spirit of authenticity and support to this community.

    What to Expect

    In the posts to come, I’ll share insights from my personal journey, including the skills I’ve learned and adapted along the way. We’ll explore topics like gratitude, emotional regulation, grounding, and finding joy in hobbies. I’ll also share practical exercises and tools to help you build a life filled with meaning and purpose. My goal is to encourage you to embrace your unique path and celebrate the small wins that lead to lasting change.

    A Peek Into My Heart

    Imagine standing at the edge of a lake on a star-filled night. As you gaze at your reflection in the water, you see not only your own image but also the beauty of the world around you—the stars, the aurora dancing above, and the wonder beneath the surface. That’s the essence of Peer Reflections for me: looking beyond the surface to uncover the beauty, complexity, and potential within each of us.

    Thank you for being here. I’m honored to share this space with you and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Let’s reflect, grow, and celebrate together—one step at a time.

    With Courage,
    Shannon

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