Worried I'm a bad support person
 

Hello
:blush:

As you may have read I'm starting a job shortly that is peer support in the mental health sector.

I'm starting to get really worried that I can't do it, that I say the wrong things, etc.

I have a lot of years on psychology as a student, some placement and research experience so I'm trying to draw on my positive experiences from that.

When I think about them, I know how much I love talking with people and helping them, and that's what this role is.

But sometimes my doubt creeps back.

I know helping online is different but I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement that I don't suck and these anxieties are just part of it and will pass.

Thank you for reading, it's been helpful just to share already x

I don't think you suck! I think you are awesome!

Aimee, you are wonderful on the boards here, and also, you wouldn't have got the job if you weren't capable of doing it well. I know it's scary starting a new job but you can't doubt yourself at what you love to do, and know you're good at!

In a month's time, you'll have closure and know either way whether you are "good" or "bad" at the job. Can you think about it that way? Sometimes just looking forward to having closure either way can help reduce anxieties.

You'll be awesome though.

Thank you both. Chloe that's a good way to think about it, thinking in a months time. I really like that, thank you!

Just to agree, you are an absolutely wonderful presence on the boards here. I think you clearly have a very supportive, empathetic and caring nature, you have experience in psychology, on placements and in research, so you know what you are talking about, and you are genuinely motivate to listen to and help people, which is one of the most important things!

I think Gracious's way of looking at it is brilliant too. And remember, even if you do feel uncertain and unsure about anything at first, that is normal with a new job. You have the skills and the traits you need for this job, and those anxieties will almost certainly lessen once you are settled in there.

I'm sorry if this doesn't help much, but good luck with the job! You will be brilliant, this job sounds so well suited to you. xx

AIMEE YOU SILLY THING, YOU ARE LEGIT LIKE THE MOST SUPPORTIVE AND KIND PERSON ON ALL OF RYL. YOU ARE ALWAYS SO CARING AND GENUINE AND UNDERSTANDING IT SEEMS SUPERHUMAN SOMETIMES. IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THAT I HAD TO USE ALL CAPs!

It's natural to have doubts. Like everyone has said, you are a really caring and naturally supportive person! I have no doubts that you are the right person for this job.

And above all remember that everyone else who works in the mental health sector are human too. They all have their own fears, doubts, stressors, quirks, neuroses etc!

Haha! This is so sweet it made me giggle - thank you! Actually THANK YOU CAPITALS CAUSE I REALLY APPRECIATE IT ;)

Liv and Sarah, thank you both also for your kind words, which I really cherish, and your wise bits of advice about starting a new position. You're right, things will get better once I get there and I am only human after all!

Thanks everyone so much.
I'm a bit embarrassed making a thread basically asking you to tell me I'm good at supporting... But I truly do appreciate it, your replies are ammunition against the negative doubts.

You will be fab! One thing to remember as well that Peer Support is very different from Psychology but much more like RYL and you've rocked at RYL!

xox

Oh good !!! Thanks Cam, handy tip!

Don't be silly, you're amazing!! It's normal to have doubts and feel nervous but you're going to do an amazing job!! They're lucky to have you!!

You are very supportive, and granted I don't know you very well but from what I do know of you, you are lovely, caring and full of empathy, so I am sure you will be fantastic at the peer support role :)

You are such a nice person. You take so much time to respond to people here and are always both helpful and kind. You are a good support person. You also have the advantage of being on both sides, working and coping with mental health problems, so you know how you like to be spoken to. I think you will be fantastic in your job. If you ever feel uncertain, come back here and talk about it. So many people here will be able to reassure you.

Thank you all SO much, such lovely kind words and great advice too. I really appreciate it.

I spoke with my psychologist about my worries and she was really good and normalised them for me, and reminded me that even if I don't have experience with some phenomena, that showing empathy and asking the client about their experience is helpful, and I learn too.

She told me she was nervous dealing with one population group when she started, and still doesn't like it, and passed on a quote from her old supervisor. My psychologist is amazing, so knowing she went through that too helped.

Thank you all! Lorraine thank you, you're right I can always get support here. Everyone is so lovely x

You have been there for me... Things you say have been helpful and thought provoking. It's ok to have doubts or to worry. This is something you really want...so you are going to do great.