How Lived Experience Can Change Lives | Vanessa Needles | Reduce The Stigma

In this episode of Meet the Peer, host Whitney Menarcheck interviews Vanessa Needles, a certified peer specialist in South Dakota. Vanessa shares her lived experience, including her journey through addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. She recently became a peer specialist and is excited to use her experiences to support others. Vanessa describes peer support as using one's lived experience to provide a light for others going through similar experiences. She emphasizes the importance of the bond that comes from shared pain and the unique connection that peers can offer.

Connect with Vanessa: vanessaneedles.peerspecialist.us

Takeaways

🫴 Peer support involves using one's lived experience to provide support and guidance to others going through similar experiences.

🔁 The bond that comes from shared pain is powerful and can create a unique connection between peers.

👋 Meeting people where they are and respecting their autonomy is essential in peer support.

⛔️ Reducing harm and providing resources for individuals at different stages of their journey is an important aspect of peer support.

❣️ Challenging stigma and owning one's lived experience can lead to personal growth and empowerment.

💗 There is hope for those struggling, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference.