Sara Riel is filling yet another gap in mental health services in Winnipeg. For those living with Schizophrenia, support and more specifically, peer support, are essential resources to living full and happy lives. With the pandemic beginning to wane, and changes in the mental health support sector, Sara Riel has founded a Schizophrenia Peer Support Program to ensure those living with the disorder have a place to find community, support and connection.
“One of the biggest misunderstandings about Schizophrenia is that it’s a split personality, but really, it’s a split from reality,” explains Robert Neville, a Peer Support Worker with Sara Riel who has lived experience with the mental health condition. “Because of the stigma and fear around it, many of those living with Schizophrenia feel alone in their journey. We want to shift perspectives from something that’s happening to us into something medical. Once I knew that my auditory hallucinations weren’t a joke that someone was playing on me and there was a medical cause, I began to have hope because if it was medical, that means I could manage it.”
During the pandemic, most support groups for those living with Schizophrenia were put on hiatus, and at about the same time, the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society shifted its focus towards peer support for those living with all mental health challenges, leaving a large gap in services. “The pandemic exacerbated the isolation that people were feeling, and it cut so many ties and social supports,” continues Neville. “We’ve created a space where people can be themselves. We don’t give advice, we’re just sharing, and supporting each other. We’ve worked hard to create a safe and welcoming environment.”
Suzanne Routledge, another Peer Support Worker with lived experience adds, “When you’ve already walked the walk, there’s no judgement. That’s it. That’s the most important thing. We’ve all been down this road and we won’t judge you.”
The group, which meets every two weeks in person at 66 Moore Street in St. Vital, is still small, but growing. “We have between two to four people a week,” explains Neville. “For our little group, this is making a big difference. Many people with Schizophrenia are on disability or EIA, and they don’t have a lot of choices in their life. Or worse, their choices aren’t recognized. We try to encourage each other to be autonomous, and to do what’s right for us.”
Routledge, who’s been working as a Peer Support Worker for over 7 years, agrees that the impact of a group like this is vital. “This is a place where we can share. A place where we can start to dream, to hope, and to not be judged. We’re human, you know. We didn’t ask for this.”
While the challenges of Schizophrenia can include hallucinations, difficulty concentrating, disorganized speech and more, the larger barrier is often the way those living with the disorder are treated. “I get quite frustrated when I’m met with condescension because I have this mental health challenge,” explains Neville. “My autonomy matters a lot to me and I don’t like being treated like I’m less worthy or my choices don’t matter. So we’re here to empower each other. We’re creating a sense of belonging.”
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If you or someone you know would like to participate in this peer support program, please call Sara Riel at 204-237-9263 or email: info@sararielinc.com.