Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Practice Exam

What should a Peer Support Specialist do if they find themselves worrying excessively about those they support?

1. Implement a strong self-care plan

2. Ignore their feelings

3. Stop working with consumers

4. Consult family members about clients

The correct answer is: Implement a strong self-care plan

Implementing a strong self-care plan is essential for a Peer Support Specialist who finds themselves worrying excessively about those they support. This need arises because the emotional burden of supporting others can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue if not managed properly. A self-care plan can include practices such as regular physical activity, mindfulness, setting boundaries, and seeking supervision or peer support. By taking care of their own mental and emotional health, a Peer Support Specialist can maintain their ability to effectively help others, ensuring that they are in a suitable position to provide the support needed. In contrast to this approach, ignoring feelings can lead to an accumulation of stress, resulting in decreased effectiveness in their role. Stopping work with consumers is also not a constructive solution, as it does not address the underlying issue and ultimately limits the support available to those in need. Consulting family members about clients might breach confidentiality and trust, which are fundamental principles in peer support work. Hence, focusing on self-care is the most effective way to manage personal worries while continuing to provide valuable support to others.