Mutual support networks, a key part of emotional well-being in the community
Mental health problems can affect social relationships, work, education and training of the people who live with them and their environment, and this can often produce situations of social exclusion. Sometimes, situations of isolation and disconnection from the community are generated and a difficulty is created in re-establishing relational networks, support and participation in environments.
"Participating in a mutual aid group (MAG) has helped me to create a group of friends who understand me, listen to me, support me, and vice versa," explains Vall, who participates in a MAG for emotional well-being. Mutual support is essential and MAGs are a key tool for contributing to the well-being of the community, as part of the social support networks that need to be promoted and strengthened.
GAMs are self-managed groups formed by people who are in the same situation: people with a mental health problems, family and environment or also citizens in general. These groups are characterized by the absence of professionals and are defined as spaces for listening, understanding and mutual support , where several people who share similar experiences come together to try to overcome or improve their situation, as well as to fight against stigma and rebuild and strengthen the social support network.
They are based on basic principles such as respect, inclusion, horizontality, confidentiality and voluntariness . "Respect and listening are very important in GAMs; being able to speak knowing that there is confidentiality within the group, that it will not leave there, also gives you peace of mind. Many times when you listen to others, you learn. And the entire group is transformed," according to Susana, a relative of a person with mental health problems who participates in one of these groups.
The main benefits of participating in a GAM are:
- Awareness of the situation experienced.
- Self-esteem.
- Acceptance.
- Reduction of stigma and self-stigma.
- Promotion of empowerment.
- Co-responsibility for one's own care or self-care process.
- Possibility of helping other people based on your own experience.
"Meeting other people who have other difficulties and problems helps me put things into perspective, and I feel like it's like a caress to my wound," explains Isabel, a participant in a GAM for emotional well-being.
A person-centered recovery model
The promotion of mutual support networks encourages a paradigm shift, moving from the biomedical model to the recovery model , where the person is given a voice and prominence and where the professional team accompanies the recovery process. In addition, they are completely horizontal spaces, a revolutionary and transformative aspect, in a world where vertical and power relations predominate. Despite the reluctance that the absence of the professional figure can cause, the GAMs have consolidated themselves as a valuable community resource and an opportunity for joint work. "If I hadn't found the GAMs, I don't know where I would be. They saved my life," shares Teresa, a person with her own experience.
Feeling that we are listened to, that we are not judged, that we are accompanied and that we are loved are important elements that are breathed in a GAM. As a society we need more exchange of love, more solidarity, more cooperation, more accompaniment and believing and trusting in people and their potential. In short, we need more recipes with affection and bonds.
Featuring
