Peer Support

Empathy Brings Healing

(Written for Service Canada’s internal newsletter)
Léa Gagné Werthman, APR
Senior Advisor, Transformation Solutions and Adoption
Peer Supporter, ESDC, & Member of the Federal Speakers Bureau on Workplace Mental Health

When I experienced my own deep depression in 2017, following the traumatic ending to my marriage, my work family was there to catch me. My Director gave me the space and support I needed, and my colleagues were there to listen as I worked through my shock and pain. Employee Assistance connected me with a great therapist, and I shifted all of my energy to self-care and recovering my sense of self.

I quickly realized how valuable empathy is by just having someone listen to me. Each time I spoke about my pain with a compassionate listener, the weight of my sadness lifted a little. When ESDC launched its Peer Support program, I responded to the first call-out for volunteers. After a week of training – in the company of an amazing group of like-minded people – we were ready to serve as compassionate listeners for our colleagues across the country. In the years since, I have had the privilege of supporting peers struggling with depression, especially related to their own marital challenges. Understandably, as a result of the pandemic, the number of calls has gone up, but this also demonstrates the importance of supporting each other and eliminating stigma around mental health.

With each call I take, I am reminded how empathy and the simple act of being heard, gave me the time and space I needed to help calm my chaotic mind and spirit. As Peer Supporters, we are not called on to be therapists. We are not there to provide “solutions”. We are simply there to listen. Often, it is enough to help a colleague breathe, begin to bring order to their thoughts, and be reminded to care for themselves. After having been so well cared-for when I needed it, it is an honour for me to be able to return the favour.

 

 

Thank you · Merci · Wela’lin (Mi'kmaq) · ᐊᕀ ᐊᕀ ay-hay (Cree) · Mìgwetch (Ojibwe) · Qujannamiik / ᖁᔭᓐᓇᒦᒃ(Inuktitut) · Maarsii (Michif)

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