Why I chose to leave mainstream psychiatric services: a peer supporter’s personal perspective

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of a paid peer support worker (PSW) working on an acute ward within mainstream psychiatric services.

Design/methodology/approach

A PSW’s reflective and narrative account of working in an acute ward setting over a 12-month period.

Findings

Working as a paid PSW within mainstream services can create personal moral conflicts and challenges which can sometimes compromise individual authenticity and integrity.

Originality/value

This paper is written from a personal perspective and as such is highly original.

Citation

Irwin, S. (2017), "Why I chose to leave mainstream psychiatric services: a peer supporter’s personal perspective", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 153-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2017-0012