5 Awesome Recovery Toolbox Items

What supportive items are in your recovery toolbox?  As we grow in our recovery, we add specific tools (skills) to our boxes.  Below is a list of items geared to have supportive purposes to add to your toolbox.

5. Volunteering

Volunteering offers socialization, community, and skillset building, as well as a strong feeling of doing something good. “Giving back” is a term often heard. Many organizations, causes and events offer opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering can be customizable to suit a wide variety of needs. For those looking for employment, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. Places to find opportunities to volunteer include animal shelters, zoos, churches, local mental health/recovery boards, local consumer-operated services, public events, organizations, state/metro parks, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and more. 

4. Google Platform

For the techies, Google Docs allows users to create documents and spreadsheets where you can log your moods, feelings, goals, notes, journals, and symptoms (similar to Microsoft Word and Excel). Save the documents to Google Drive (accessible by any Drive enabled device, download Drive online) and recall them during the appointment, or when needed. Google Calendar is also a great way to keep track of a variety of things:  appointment times, medication times, moods, feelings, hobbies, goal tracking, etc. You can also set whom you share this calendar with (if you choose to share it). Google + offers the ability to build a profile and network with individuals. You can even create or join Hangouts, where you can see the people you are talking to by the camera on their devices (similar to Skype, with the ability to add more than one person to a Hangout). The Google platform is accessible by any computer or Android or iOS device, making it very versatile. Best of all, it is free!

3. Recovery Apps for Your Smartphone and Tablet

Reachout – Social support app for people with health issues such as: cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as mental illness and substance abuse issues. Users can share and read stories and interact with each another.

PTSD Coach – By the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD, this app tracks your PTSD symptoms over time and has tools for management.

Optimism -Self-tracking for mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Detect patterns in mood, triggers, and create a wellness plan to help manage your mental health.

SAM Self-Help for Anxiety Management – Record your anxiety levels and identify triggers. Over 20 self-help options to use for physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of anxiety. You can build a customized “toolbox” of the app’s features that work best for you. Use the social cloud feature to share your story with others.

Secret of Happiness — Has a strong focus on gratitude to relieve depression and anxiety. The app alerts you (at times you can set) to reflect and record the things in the last 24 hours that you are grateful for (evening), and your goal for the day ahead (morning).

Code Blue – Designed to provide teenagers struggling from depression or bullying with support when they need it. Users choose contacts and build their support group. The app alerts the support group that a user needs immediate help. Members of the support group reach out to the user. The app shares the user’s location with the support group and members can indicate that they are on their way to see the user in person.

Breathe2Relax (no website available) – For stress management, by walking users through breathing exercises to help to reduce stress, control anger, and manage anxiety.

2. Local Fellowship Groups

These are groups of like-minded individuals sharing similar interests. These groups can be of anything:  religious (faith-based) groups, 12-Step groups, special interest clubs (books, knitting/quilting, poetry/spoken word, photography, journaling, and social media on anything that might strike your fancy (including peer support). A great way to have conversations, share a common interests, and not feel alone.

1. Local Drop-in Recovery Center/ Consumer Operated Service (COS)

A great place were individuals in recovery with mental illness, addiction and/or trauma, can be safe, socialize, play games, watch movies, hop on a computer, sit in on a group, gain information/resources and access Peer Support. A solid solution to the hangout spot to work on what you need to. It could be one day a week, once a month, or every day!  Check with your local mental health/recovery boards for a location nearest you.

What do you use in your recovery toolbox? Please let us know in the comments below.

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 – May

How I survived in my recovery dealing with Covid-19 – the greatest pandemic in my lifetime:  I work at The P.E.E.R. Center where being available to our Associates is my life’s mission.  I appreciate my job so much, then the pandemic grew all over the world.  I remember Governor DeWine announcing that Covid-19 lived among us and what that was going to mean to all of us, including me.  This caused a lot of conversations amongst us and thoughts were on display, changes were going to be important for us as a company and individually.  I was scared like never before and trying to remain calm.  Discussion became more direct.  We closed our doors in March, but we were challenged by Administration to work together so most of us joined the Warmline, and we never missed a beat.
I was going crazy inward and outward, and I remember sneaking out all the time to go to the grocery store, staying in contact with my supervisor and team members with Zoom meetings, living one day at a time, and watching my friends die, feeling so helpless watching this country literally on it’s knees, reeling from the pandemic. Through praying, we were able to open back up at a modified schedule and I hurried to volunteer as one of the first to want to return to work in person.
I enjoy being a peer-learning, listening and ingesting.  Today, I’m at a peace by being challenged by everyone.  I am still affected by Covid-19, but have been vaccinated and I practice social distancing.  I hold myself accountable.

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 – April

My Covid-19 recovery story.

I was very anxious; I felt uncertain, so I had to get staying busy working from home. We closed the centers, extended hours on the Warmline, added more staff to the Warmline schedule; I worked with other supervisors to help our staff use their peer support skills over the telephone. I trained a lot of the center staff on how to work on the Warmline. We all checked in on each other and had staff meetings more often online over Zoom and Microsoft Outlook Teams.

I had to get used to using my laptop; I put a fold-up table in front of my living room window so I could see the spring, summer, fall, and winter days. I worked remotely so I could get documents from folders on our company drive. I missed my desk at work, it just didn’t feel the same.

I did telehealth visits with my health providers; I felt stuck I had to share a space with my gamer son who is so loud; I had to make him get up for school instead of video playing games, and he could not stay focused.  His teachers were texting me to remind him to turn in work. I had to be a stay-at-home Mom. I sorted through a lot of clothes to donate, housework, laundry, and cooking oh my. 🙄

I turned my backyard into a resort I bought a cheap hot tub and had a staycation.
I spoke to my family over the Facebook Portal; I had really interesting conversations with my three-year-old granddaughter. I binged watched a lot of series on Netflix and Hulu. I played Pokémon Go from home with remote passes. By the way, I finally made it to level 40, I also play Candy Crush Saga. I stayed entertained.

I want to give special thanks to everyone who kept the ship sailing at The P.E.E.R. Center, especially my supervisor Deidra J. for always being kind and having a listening ear.

Stay safe everyone we are not out of the woods yet! 🦋

Susie S.
Program Director

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - March

My story about coping with the COVID pandemic that started last March: At first I was working from home, which I did not mind, but I had to re-adjust to using a laptop and not having my big monitor screen. I also had to adjust to working off a TV tray and not having a copier-just my fax and printer which would only hold about 25 pages of paper and so scanning was interesting. I think for the first three to four weeks of “stay at home” I worked a minimum of 70 hours a week. At least I was familiar with working remotely.

Then one Monday I hit a wall. I could not wake up when my alarm went off-which has never happened, and I felt weak, had a headache and was not myself. I had a meeting at 11am and I just could not make it. At first I thought “oh no, do I have the virus?” However, the next day after sleeping 13 hours straight, I felt better.

First thing I had to do was to stop working so many hours, and do what is needed to make sure my job is complete and my direct reports are working at home and keeping busy. Start back to my exercise routine every day. Drink water-at least eight glasses a day. Start eating better.

I made myself a better working area, with a good desk chair and a filing cabinet.

I did miss the going out every Friday night and Ohio State Football was not the same. Then I started catching up and watching movies I had never seen. I stayed away from the news because it is always bad. I  found that I enjoyed watching funny movies and shows and laughing more.

I love to cook so I started finding new recipes and having fun. One recipe I found that I love is sweet potato rolls. I have been making them every week since Thanksgiving. They are much better because I know the ingredients that I am putting into them.

Thought for the day – take better care of yourself for your recovery. Get plenty of rest, exercise and drink water. Watch funny shows on TV because there are plenty of those and laugh.

Stay safe and in your bubble and we will get through this.

Diane C.
Director of Finance

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - February

As of March, 2020, when the news broke about Covid 19, I made the decision to temporarily move from my nine-person, four-generational home to a three-person home with friends who were as careful as I was about remaining free of this deadly virus. We all were careful to follow CDC guidelines to wear masks when going outside, to practice social distancing and to avoid super spreader type situations. I felt this was a safer environment for me, as I suffer from severe Diabetic complications. Along with my age, this puts me in the category of the most vulnerable. I was really fearful that if I caught Covid 19, I would not survive.

However, as careful as I was, I still became infected with this virus. One person in our three-person pod went to a meeting with a couple of friends. As careful as we always were, none of the three were wearing masks during their meeting. A few days later, one of the friends called to say they’d tested positive for Covid 19. Within a week’s time, this one little incident of not wearing masks led us all to become ill with Covid symptoms. I think mine were a little more severe than the others, and I wasn’t even at the meeting. My symptoms included headaches, sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, aching over, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Two of us have the same doctor. We were told they were only seeing patients with even more severe symptoms than mine. However, if we started having trouble breathing to go to the ER, or call 911.

We lived with our symptoms, treating them as a really, really severe case of the flu. Thankfully, after about a week and a half, we started feeling better. However, we are still recovering and dealing with a few lingering effects of the virus, such as mild headaches, some dizziness, periodic coughing and nausea. We are still wearing masks, sanitizing and practicing social distancing in the home so that the third person in our pod doesn’t become infected.

During my recovery, I am keeping as busy as I possibly can and am continuing to work on the Warmline. This has been a source of encouragement for me, and also allowed me to have more empathy with callers who are afraid of catching the virus. Many of them have friends who are sick or in the hospital on ventilators, some of whom have died.

I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to work on the Warmline. This and continuing to lean on a whole lot of prayer is helping me through this pandemic. I look forward to the time when we all will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against this deadly disease.

Brenda J.
Warmline Peer Support Specialist

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - January

The last few months we have been featuring “Recovery During Covid” stories from our awesome TPC team, seemed fitting that on our “14th anniversary” newsletter issue that I should share what recovery during COVID looks like from the leader’s perspective. Too often the leaders are expected to be that calm steady-the-ship force during crisis. Double that expectation when the leader is also a person living in recovery. Stigma carries a particularly strong deterrent from leaders being “awkward, brave, and vulnerable” as my spirit-sister social worker Brené Brown would say. So, the meaningful activity in my recovery work is attending to the job of maintaining a safe and supportive working environment that assures the team is equipped to provide recovery support and to meet our associates (participants) exactly however they appear, no matter their level of recovery. It was those one hundred or so Associates that show up every day that prevented me from making the hard decision sooner, to suspend our in-person services until we could do that work safely. As one of our board directors pointed out, the best way to protect the associates was to protect the team. And so … our 13th year of operations, going into our 14th year, felt much like our first year of operations … making quick decisions as the situation and circumstances evolved. And they evolved quickly. Leadership on the fly. Ah .. memories 🙂. That being awkward, brave and vulnerable part got tested in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Leading a diverse team with differing world views is a challenge on a good day. On a bad day, when cultural and historical trauma involving long-standing racial injustice smacks you in the face, it becomes something altogether different. So, do I tell the team that “I am not ok”? Or do I brave-face it out which is the typical and expected stance for leaders, and especially leaders from communities of color. Add black female leader atop mental health, childhood and adult trauma lived experience and you’ve got a perfect storm of inner conflict. But that is also my work of recovery. No more brave-facing it out. I took a chance on my team. For the most part they embraced my simple acknowledgement of not being ok. For some it was a matter of “what’s understood does not need to be explained”. For others … well, we might still be playing out that awkward, brave and vulnerable part. Hard conversations. They do not happen until we can safely acknowledge not being ok in whatever environment, in whatever role we are serving. One of my joys is having the opportunity to create safe space for that. Going into our 14th year, I do not regret taking a chance on my team by showing up for them, fully human, doing my work of recovery, during COVID, and at any other time. Wishing us all a safer, more compassionate, more brave new year!

Juliet D-W
Executive Director

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - December

Since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I have discovered many things about myself and how to maintain and manage my recovery.  When it all began, I was very scared, anxious and stressed about what it would mean for myself and those I care about.  When The P.E.E.R. Center had to close for in person services and we were all doing the best we could to work from home and expand our Warmline services, I found myself feeling more physically isolated from my peers, anxious about the future, and generally not coping well with the overall stress of everything.  While here at TPC we are always encouraged to practice self-care and maintain our wellness, as well as model recovery values and tools to our Associates, but once removed I discovered that I was not taking as good of care of myself as I could be and I was letting the stress of COVID-19 affect me in deeper ways.  So, I had a decision to make: I could really ramp up my overall wellness and self-care practices or I could use this as an excuse to justify not taking care of myself and let myself go on a downward spiral.  I chose to practice what I try to instill and model to others about self-care and overall wellness.  I’d like to pretend that this was an easy decision to make, it sounds simple and obvious.  However, being caught up in the midst of a pandemic, lonely, isolated, stressed, anxious and managing my own mental illness, it was difficult to try to move forward and grow in my recovery.  I couldn’t do it on my own.  I had to rely on my support systems-my family, friends, mental health professionals and of course my coworkers-but I had to be creative and find new ways to reach out and connect with others due to social distancing.  Another thing I tried was to improve my physical health as well.  I figured I needed something new to focus on that would benefit me both physically and mentally, so I began making some lifestyle changes that included modifying my diet, exercising and practicing stress reduction techniques.  I discovered that making these changes allowed me to not only lose weight, but definitely helped me feel better overall.  Every time I pushed myself and accomplished something new, it gave me a boost to want to try to keep going.  I found that my general anxiety and mood improved immensely and I feel better equipped to deal with future challenges that may arise.   I can’t express enough how important it is to take good care of yourself, and I hope that sharing my story of coping during Covid-19 will offer you some type of support and will encourage you to take the next step in your own recovery.

Deidra J.
Assistant Director

The P.E.E.R. Center

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - November

In March 2020, I started a new chapter in my life. I was hired as a Peer Support Specialist at The P.E.E.R. Center. This was so new to me. I started my orientation which was a week long. By my last day of orientation, the center had to close because the city of Columbus was shutting down because of COVID. This took me for a loop. My next steps were to start working on the Warmline. I became overwhelmed and scared because this was something new to me. That was the start to how COVID was affecting my life. I had a good number of tools in my toolbox to use to cope. One of my obstacles was not being able to hug people. That was one thing people knew about me. When you see April, you will get a hug. I struggled because that is one of my ways of showing people I cared. I had to express how I care in a different way. I decided to start calling people and sending out cards. That helped but I still miss giving hugs. Dealing with COVID hasn’t been easy for me. I had to find different ways to cope. I found writing, cooking and baking helpful but I needed more. I found myself reaching out to new people or people I hadn’t talked to in a while. I learned to enjoy talking with other people. I learned about their life story and perceptions of what was happening. I still have my days of depression and anxiety. I’m thankful that I’m still able to have weekly talks with my counselor. I choose to be honest about how I’m feeling because I know what can happen if I don’t address my issues. I have a good support system, but I know that they are not always available. So, I lean on my faith and prayer. I have learned not one thing is going to help during this time so I had to try new things.

April B.
Peer Support Specialist

The P.E.E.R. Center

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - October

My recovery story in coping with Covid-19 is unique in a lot of ways. I started reading about coronavirus (Covid-19) in December 2019. I was watching the news one night and they reported in China people were coming down with a mysterious illness and a lot of people were dying and I remember saying to myself that I live in Columbus, Ohio and that could never reach that far, oh was I wrong! I started getting prepared early with Personal Protective Equipment when it was available. I said to myself if I am going to be isolated I will make sure I am comfortable and have everything I need. My job, family and friends have all been supporting me throughout all of this. I have also have gotten in touch with my inner self and learned and practiced different coping skills. I have come to realize that kindness and assisting others in the time of need really helped me mentally.

I have really started practicing a lot of self care by setting boundaries when needed and I have also taken up sewing which I have come to enjoy, it is very relaxing to me. Also, cooking has been a great tool of mine and I love it. I have had a regular routine in the morning – my coffee and etc. and taking walks to look at all the pretty flowers. I try to always keep a positive attitude and don’t always think the worst. I have found that a positive attitude and kindness goes a long way during these troubling times. My job has become very rewarding and enjoyable during Covid-19. So I feel I am blessed and that really is good for me mentally.

Kay F.
Peer Support Specialist
The P.E.E.R. Center

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - September

As Covid-19 took many people by surprise I was no exception.  I have been working two jobs, going to school, and managing recovery for dual-diagnose for about a year. When the pandemic hit Ohio my life took a drastic turn that seemed on the outside to be worse than what it really wound up being. First me slowing down was always suggested although it has been my consistent doing that really holds me focused on my goals and in line with my recovery. Now all the sudden everything comes to a grinding halt and I am forced to slow down. Recovery always says God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself and here I am. Working from home, doing my school work from home, and then being furloughed from Hot Chicken Takeover.  It was like I was being sent to my room and grounded until further notice. My recovery foundation tells me to go with the flow and get what I need in the midst of trials by using my tools. It has been a practice that has since become a habit. With financial struggles came my determination because I was convinced God did not bring me this far to drop me off. I looked to my fellow co-workers at The P.E.E.R. Center, my mentor, my spiritual coach, my sponsor, my fiance, and my friends in recovery to give me the support I needed to give me motivation. I am a people person and this was hard. Then I was stressed about financial issues and how this would effect everything I had worked so hard for. My faith is strong. I knew I hadn’t been brought this far to be dropped off so I fed my faith and hope. I kept believing that my God would take care of me but that a faith without works was dead. I prayed, prayed, believed, hoped. Put applications in everyday to find something to supplement the income I lost. I hesitantly sought an administrative withdrawal from one of my classes that I felt would be done better once in class instruction resumed. I never stopped reaching out for support, I woke everyday to do my devotions, and I never quit believing that my God would care for me as He had always done. I took my chances applying for jobs anywhere essential. Three weeks ago FedEx called me and told me I got the job and I was ecstatic. I knew I would be ok. I kept taking care of myself, began eating a healthy diet, finishing my class online, and going to Church every Sunday through Zoom. Everyday still looks like recovery for me as it will for the rest of my life. Recovery is a lifestyle and love I choose daily. I wake up with it. A day without it would feel really strange. Once upon a time I thought I could not live life without drugs and dysfunction….now I can’t imagine living without my recovery. It goes with me in the best of times and takes care of me in the worst of times. I am always a better person for it.
Thanks for allowing me to share.

Angela V.
Peer Support Specialist

The P.E.E.R. Center

Recovery Stories: Coping with Covid-19 - August

As news of this virus began to spread, my anxiety did increase a bit. I have a family to worry about and underlying health conditions. Fueled in part by the massive amount of news coming in, I quickly stopped the news watching, and daily briefs. I limited my contact with the outside world. There was a huge issue with my kids (whom have challenges) accessing their (now) digital schooling. I was worried about so many things, we had to do something. Night one of being home from work, we had a family meeting and created a plan.

We reached out to the school for help and they responded to our needs. Virtual meetings, screen sharing and direct support calmed the nerves. Problem 1 solved. The next issue was how to get much needed items. We designated one person to go to the store for items. One person handling items and making sure hand washing/sanitation was frequent. Problem 2 solved.

Issue 3 was how to stay home, work and make use of the time. I played my instruments, my animals helped with my anxiety, tried to keep to a sleep schedule, talked to people via social media and fixed some stuff around the home worked. My Executive Director was great at keeping us up-to-date on what was going on with regard to work. My team was supportive and checking in, and my band mates also followed lock-down rules as we stopped rehearsals. We communicate daily with each other, for support.

Appointments were all virtual and made it very easy to access the care we needed. My groups and kids appointments went pretty well. I stayed inside for 31 days before eventually getting out into nature, far from humans, near water and fished. This became an every other day thing for my mental health. A way to get away and clear my mind. The air was fresh and weather was mostly perfect. I didn’t mind some cold, rain or even wind.

There were bad days. Nothing is perfect, and we did have issues that arose, even with a plan. The internet wasn’t working right, kids attitudes and challenges increased daily, the dog identified as a cat at some point (tried to climb and destroyed stuff where the cats bed), stress, and of course being confined to a home wasn’t helping matters.

It was helpful to take each challenge one at a time and solve that problem before going onto the next. I’m thankful for the support from my team, my employer, my band mates, and friends whom helped during this. It’s not easy, but one day at a time.

Gary K.
Marketing and Administrative Support Coordinator

The P.E.E.R. Center

Why is coffee important to The P.E.E.R. Center?

Coffee is a drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, which are ground and then brewed with near-boiling water to produce the beverage we all know – and many of us worship — known by names like cup of joe or java. However, at The PEER Center, a cup of coffee is much more than the dictionary definition above.

A cup of coffee is a gateway for conversations to begin, with topics as varied as the types of roasted beans. Moods relax, guards are let down, and people generally feel the need to say something and that starts conversations – which is our goal.

This is imperative in the recovery field, as there is a tendency to isolate and sharing helps one gain information for their personal recovery. It also helps build trust and develop that peer-to-peer relationship. Moreover, a person can feel like a person and not a diagnosis.

What you can see is that, in 2017, The PEER Center handed out 103,776 cups of coffee (384 containers) across both locations! This is not counting creamer/sugar/sweetener or the cups the coffee is served in.

What is unseen, to most people, are the tens of thousands of engagements surrounding those 103,776 cups. In those encounters, you will find respect, jokes, and/or support. This is all paramount to the work we do.

It is not just about the coffee; the drink is just a tool. It’s about what the coffee creates as a byproduct that is the goal. Because, think about it, just for a moment. . .

Have you ever attended a get-together without coffee?

PEERdance & Walk 2018 Was a HUGE Success

The chance of rain could not stop what would become a record-breaking event in The PEER Center’s history. Moreover, it did not stop the celebration of recovery. Our community responded overwhelmingly as the 5th Annual PEERdance & Walk fundraiser topped out at $20,403, coming within $100 of doubling last years’ efforts!

Fundraising wasn’t the only record we set in 2018. This year we had:

• The most sponsors ever, at 18

• The most staff participating in the “Wellness Wobble” – also 18

• The first Premier Level sponsor – Columbus Springs – Dublin

• The first dance studio to be a part of PD&W –The Fred Astaire Dance Studio – Columbus Northwest

• The most donors during the PD&W season (well over 200 with official numbers being tallied)

If you run into any of our award winners for 2018, please thank them for their service to the community.

PEER Power – Tony Coder

VolunPEER of the Year – Steven Fletcher

PEER of the Year – Jackie Doodley, RCP, OCPS

We’d also like to thank: DJ – Michael Porter, Vocalist – Tiffany Mason-Williams, acoustic performers – The WellJam Experience, and finally White Castle — for providing the food.

A huge barrel of gratitude goes to all of the sponsors, exhibitors, team captains, donors, and attendees of PEERdance & Walk 2018.

Finally, it takes an entire community to put together PEERdance & Walk and this year the community spoke loud and clear. Thank you all for allowing The PEER Center to celebrate recovery with all of you.

See you next year!

Five Ways to Support Someone in Need

Listen – Active listening is crucial to understanding what help is needed. Ask yourself:

1. Is this person in danger or in crisis?

2. Is this person a threat to themselves or others?

3. Is this person wanting something specific?

If the answer is yes to A or B, call 911 or get the person to the nearest emergency room ASAP.  Listening is the most important step. You will not know how to respond if you are not listening.

1. Ask Direct Questions – Ask to find out more information. Direct questions allow you to understand where they are coming from and what their specific needs are at that moment.

2. Be Genuine – If the person feels as though they are a burden, they will clam up. If they feel that you genuinely care, they will share more. Build trust at whatever speed they feel comfortable with.

3. Validate Your Information – When providing a resource, make sure you have verified it is. Do not rely on word of mouth — or a hunch.

   It’s important to provide unbiased resources, giving the individual options for their own care. Being unbiased allows you to build trust and show that you are putting their needs above your own personal agenda. This is what truly supporting someone looks like.

4. Just Be Present – You don’t always have to fix something. Just be the shoulder to cry on or ear to listen. Many people feel that they aren’t being heard, but instead being referred. Having someone just be there is more valuable than many people realize.

Keep an open mind, think fast on feet, and remember you don’t need to be a hero. Working together, you can keep the person you’re helping safe.

The PEER Center Top 10 of 2017

2017 was a record setting year. Below is our 2017 Top 10 accomplishments for The PEER Center.

#10

Celebrated the 4th Annual PEERdance & Walk event with music and entertainment provided by: DJ Michael Porter, The WellJam Experience, and The PEER Center’s Wellness Wobble dancers. The event featured exhibitors, awards, and The PEER Center’s Wellness Walk!

#9

103,776 cups of coffee handed out in 2017 across both locations. The most the organization has ever handed out.

#8

Of the 669 Peer Recovery Supporter certification applications submitted in 2017, 435 received certification through OhioMHAS as Peer Recovery Supporters. Bringing the total number of certifications over 500 (583 and counting)! A huge milestone for Peer Recovery Supporters, and The PEER Center.

#7

The PEER Center’s award recipients for 2017:  The PEERpower Award went to Pamela L. Craycraft LISW-S. The PEER of the Year Award went to Peg Morrison. The VolunPEER of the Year went to Ted Baron at the 2017 PEERdance & Walk annual fundraiser. The Warriet Savage awards went to Derrick Kirkland, and Susan Zoccali at the 2017 Recovery Celebration.

#6

The Peer West Location outgrew the former building, and moved to the new address of 860/866 West Broad St.

#5

Built and launched the www.Ohiopeers.org website to assist peers in Ohio with the Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification process.

#4

Held Ice Cream Socials at both locations, which were open to our local communities.

#3

Five successful symposiums held across the state in five major cities: Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, Dayton, and Cincinnati for the Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification.

#2

The PEER Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary in consecutive operation and 7th year anniversary as an independent organization! 

#1

A record-breaking fundraising season! The PEER Center raised $15,387.23 through individuals, donations, sponsors and annual fundraiser!

Six reasons to attend a support group

While going to a group might seem uncomfortable, unnecessary, or something for “those people”, have you been to a group? Not all groups are alike, facilitated by the same people, 12-step, nor require participation from persons in the group. It can take going to a group more than once or even to more than one group to feel comfortable. Finding the right one is paramount. Most are anonymous and confidentiality is key. Participants are not going to try to fix you. They might offer insight on how you can help yourself get on the right path for you. You have to put in the work for your own outcome.

Before embarking on groups, please consider the following:

• Groups are not to replace professional treatment. They are to provide support.

• Groups should hold you accountable for your actions, but not punish you for them.

• It does take time to find the right group that best suits you.

• Groups are not an overnight fix or solution.

• A safe place for you to work on what you need to.

Below you will find six reasons to attend a support group.

1. Knowledge is power. You can learn about what is going on in your life and how to develop your own strategies to manage what you need. Having knowledge empowers you to make informed choices while taking positive actions. Learn skill-sets needed to navigate through various systems, locate various community resources, and knowledge about potential roadblocks you may encounter on your path.

2. Being around people of similar experiences. Let’s face it, it sucks being alone.  However, often that is what we do, we isolate. Being around a group people with similar experiences solidifies that we’re not alone. This can decrease fear and instill hope, that one can have a better quality of life. You can learn from others experiences, find people who understand what you are going through, and be around those who will listen. You can build strong friendships of like-minded people.

3. Finding help. Groups have knowledge of community resources that can help you. Need a person to talk to in the evening, why not try a group? Maybe the facilitator or participant could speak with you after the group, if you prefer that, until you get comfortable sharing? Groups provide tools and resources, along with support and encouragement.

4. Developing a plan. Having a plan is crucial for staying on course. Each person is different, as each situation is different. Do you have a plan to know what to do if in crisis? Do others close to you know what to do if you are in crisis?  One big factor when developing a plan with the group is, having insight into things you might have otherwise overlooked, or didn’t think about. Another cool piece, the ability to have people not judge you when you fall off course and allow you to get back on track, while receiving support needed to try again.

5. Creating goals. Creating goals helps you stay on track and gives a feeling of accomplishment. Working through goals with a group is powerful as you can achieve them with lasting results. One can continually add more goals to build on their success, while having a group support them.

6. Groups can be fun. It is not always work or serious all the time. Groups like to experience the good things in life too. Often times, there are; snacks, cookouts, movies, outings, and more to make things fun.

Model the way of Recovery

How does one model the way of recovery? This differs from person to person. Often, the term is used to describe individuals who set standards, apply skillsets in diverse environments to make the most out of life on their recovery journey, while holding themselves accountable for their actions.

This is accomplished and demonstrated by making and keeping appointments for self-care, setting and achieving goals, keeping up with hygiene, advocating for better quality of personal care, understanding our symptoms, medication side effects and triggers, educating ourselves about ourselves, making healthy choices both physically and mentally, setting boundaries, and asking questions to develop strategies to overcome obstacles.

Setting boundaries between professional and personal life can be challenging. A short-term sacrifice can turn into a long-term problem. Being open and honest with yourself and others allows for discovery and knowing limitations.  Reaching out for assistance shows how much you care to overcome the issue at hand. We are under a microscope.

What you post, comment, or share on social media is in public view, which can affect those we serve, who we work for, and/or ourselves in positive and/or negative ways.

A good resource to use as a guide is the Eight Dimensions of Wellness from SAMHSA (https://www.samhsa.gov) which provides an image of what holistic wellness looks like. Like human beings are mental, physical and spiritual beings.

The above aspects can be further expanded as the following: Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, and Spiritual. By keeping all dimensions in balance, we model the way of recovery.

5 Awesome Recovery Toolbox Items

What supportive items are in your recovery toolbox?  As we grow in our recovery, we add specific tools (skills) to our boxes.  Below is a list of items geared to have supportive purposes to add to your toolbox.

5. Volunteering

Volunteering offers socialization, community, and skillset building, as well as a strong feeling of doing something good. “Giving back” is a term often heard. Many organizations, causes and events offer opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering can be customizable to suit a wide variety of needs. For those looking for employment, this is a great way to get your foot in the door. Places to find opportunities to volunteer include animal shelters, zoos, churches, local mental health/recovery boards, local consumer-operated services, public events, organizations, state/metro parks, schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and more. 

4. Google Platform

For the techies, Google Docs allows users to create documents and spreadsheets where you can log your moods, feelings, goals, notes, journals, and symptoms (similar to Microsoft Word and Excel). Save the documents to Google Drive (accessible by any Drive enabled device, download Drive online) and recall them during the appointment, or when needed. Google Calendar is also a great way to keep track of a variety of things:  appointment times, medication times, moods, feelings, hobbies, goal tracking, etc. You can also set whom you share this calendar with (if you choose to share it). Google + offers the ability to build a profile and network with individuals. You can even create or join Hangouts, where you can see the people you are talking to by the camera on their devices (similar to Skype, with the ability to add more than one person to a Hangout). The Google platform is accessible by any computer or Android or iOS device, making it very versatile. Best of all, it is free!

3. Recovery Apps for Your Smartphone and Tablet

Reachout – Social support app for people with health issues such as: cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as mental illness and substance abuse issues. Users can share and read stories and interact with each another.

PTSD Coach – By the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for PTSD, this app tracks your PTSD symptoms over time and has tools for management.

Optimism -Self-tracking for mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Detect patterns in mood, triggers, and create a wellness plan to help manage your mental health.

SAM Self-Help for Anxiety Management – Record your anxiety levels and identify triggers. Over 20 self-help options to use for physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of anxiety. You can build a customized “toolbox” of the app’s features that work best for you. Use the social cloud feature to share your story with others.

Secret of Happiness — Has a strong focus on gratitude to relieve depression and anxiety. The app alerts you (at times you can set) to reflect and record the things in the last 24 hours that you are grateful for (evening), and your goal for the day ahead (morning).

Code Blue – Designed to provide teenagers struggling from depression or bullying with support when they need it. Users choose contacts and build their support group. The app alerts the support group that a user needs immediate help. Members of the support group reach out to the user. The app shares the user’s location with the support group and members can indicate that they are on their way to see the user in person.

Breathe2Relax (no website available) – For stress management, by walking users through breathing exercises to help to reduce stress, control anger, and manage anxiety.

2. Local Fellowship Groups

These are groups of like-minded individuals sharing similar interests. These groups can be of anything:  religious (faith-based) groups, 12-Step groups, special interest clubs (books, knitting/quilting, poetry/spoken word, photography, journaling, and social media on anything that might strike your fancy (including peer support). A great way to have conversations, share a common interests, and not feel alone.

1. Local Drop-in Recovery Center/ Consumer Operated Service (COS)

A great place were individuals in recovery with mental illness, addiction and/or trauma, can be safe, socialize, play games, watch movies, hop on a computer, sit in on a group, gain information/resources and access Peer Support. A solid solution to the hangout spot to work on what you need to. It could be one day a week, once a month, or every day!  Check with your local mental health/recovery boards for a location nearest you.

What do you use in your recovery toolbox? Please let us know in the comments below.

Why Celebrating Recovery Publicly Matters

I used to think I was alone, that no one cared. This was supported by when I screwed up, everyone pointed it out. When I excelled well beyond their expectations, I got silence! In fact, it was as if nobody cared by the amount of success I’d worked so hard to achieve. Suddenly, my SUCCESSwas TOP SECRET! So I could distance myself from the rest of the world and the very things I wanted badly (belonging and understanding), or change my view and tactics and advocate to the people who mattered. Little did I realize how much of an impact talking about success to others would matter. My problem was I shadowed my successes to the highlighted negative.

The same choice applies to celebrating our victories. Do we choose to not celebrate (TOP SECRET), celebrate with our recovery family (INNER CIRCLE), or do we celebrate openly and publicly? Typically, the public only sees the negative. The media is quick to point out when someone overdoses – “It’s an epidemic!” Or, that this person committed this violent crime – “Mental health disorder!” They don’t show people in recovery and how far they’ve come. In fact, we’re told we should’ve been doing this all along and don’t need a pat on the back for it! We are a living billboard and a direct reflection of what the public sees. Like it or hate it, it doesn’t change the fact. If one person carries this much persuasive power, celebrating our recovery openly and publicly gives us a chance to change the public perception.

How many people support local recovery centers or can name just one center in their community? The community would care if they were made aware of it. The public outside the addiction/mental health circles hasn’t a clue what’s going on. In a way, our stories are like infomercials. The key points are to show the before (problem) and after result, with the success we’ve achieved. It does us little to no good sharing only the problems, while our successes remain shadowed. We would get silence from the community while strengthening the preconceived stereotypes. Thus, what I had experienced for so long. To quote a dear colleague of mine, “Sad stories don’t pay bills.”  We need to share our success to anyone who will listen, the public included.

What is The P.E.E.R. Center and PEERdance?

Simply put, The PEER Center is a consumer operated drop-in center for people living with mental illness, addiction, and/or trauma. We operate two centers in Columbus, Ohio, and are open 365 days a year. All of our services are free.

The “PEER” in PEER Center is an acronym for Peers Enriching Each others’ Recovery. We provide a safe place where individuals receive respect, encouragement, and hope that supports and strengthens their recovery in mental health, addictions, and trauma.

Their purpose is to provide immediate support to people in need. Because we are a drop-in center, all someone has to do is show up and follow the code of conduct, which keeps everyone safe. No referrals are needed and everyone 18 and over is welcome.

Every member of our staff – from front line peer supporters to management – lives with mental illness, addiction, and/or trauma. The people who work here don’t just talk about how to be well; we live in recovery. Peer support is a vital tool to have in a person’s wellness toolbox and we excel at walking the walk and talking the talk. We know what to do because we’ve done it.

“The best part about The PEER Center is that everyone is welcome and it’s a place to feel supported and safe,” says an associate (what we call the folks who use our services) who asked to remain anonymous. 

The PEER Center Needs Your Help!

And we want you to get involved!

We are currently looking for Dance Captains and corporate sponsors for PEERdance on the morning of September 24th, 2016. (Yes, that is a bye week for you Buckeye fans out there!). PEERdance is our signature community event and fundraiser designed to showcase that recovery happens every day. While society is quick to focus on negative outcomes of mental illness, addiction, and trauma we want to highlight that recovery is possible.

Our Dance Captains are the key to the success of our event. By creating and leading a dance team you will ensure that our services continue to remain available and free for our community. Don’t worry, it’s easy and while dancing is encouraged – it isn’t necessary.

And we are here to help you every step of the way.

Mark your calendars to come on down and listen to music, enter the T-Shirt contest, show your support, and celebrate recovery with us.

To sponsor, sign up, or for more information please contact Gabe Howard at ghoward@thepeercenter.org.