[Peer support for promoting mental health: A descriptive analysis of target groups and support content].

Abstract

Aim of the study: Mental illnesses are on the rise both internationally and in Switzerland, pushing psychiatric care facilities to the limit of their capacity. As a result, there is a growing need for low-threshold psychosocial support that accompanies, stabilizes and supports those affected in their everyday lives. This is precisely where the "Psycho-Social Services" (PSD) project of the GLEICH UND ANDERS Schweiz foundation comes in. The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive, empirical analysis of the PSD project.

Methodology: A descriptive analysis of the project was carried out for quality assurance purposes. The socio-demographic data of the participants and the concerns and stressful situations supported by peers were systematically recorded. In addition, the forms, content and focus of the peer support and the number of hours provided were quantitatively evaluated.

Results: In the period from 2023 to the end of 2024, 102 people were supported (71.6% of whom were women). The age of the clients was between 16 and 75 years with a median of 44.0 years. The places of residence of the people receiving support were spread across the cantons of German-speaking Switzerland, with most people coming from the cantons of Lucerne (47 people) and Bern (21 people). The most common reasons for seeking support were depression (45.1%), followed by schizophrenia (11.8%), burnout (9.8%), eating disorders (8.8%) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (8.8%). A total of 473.23 hours of peer work were carried out, with an average of 4.64 hours per person supported. The majority of people (57.8%) were supported for between 1 and 5 hours.

Conclusion: The results show that peer support in the PSD project is primarily used by middle-aged women with depressive symptoms from the cantons of Lucerne and Bern, with short and targeted support sessions predominating. This underlines the need for low-threshold, time-limited support services and shows the potential of peer work and psychosocial services. At the same time, the regional focus points to the importance of further disseminating and publicizing such services in other cantons.