From Lost to Empowered: My Journey with SAPOT

Hi all, it’s me again, SAPOT Rynn. Today, I would like to share my journey from being a new peer support worker to an experienced one. I won’t tell the stories of the people I have supported, even with redacted and edited information, out of respect for their privacy and confidentiality. So, this story is about how my life has changed through growing together with the people I’ve supported.

Becoming a peer support worker wasn’t just a career change; it was a profound personal transformation.

Living a Life of Purpose

When you actively help others who are navigating similar challenges as yours, you discover a profound sense of purpose and meaning. Knowing that my lived experience can make a positive impact on someone else’s life is incredibly validating. It counteracts that feeling of helplessness.

Prior to being a SAPOT Warrior, I felt lost. Despite having a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, I lived my day-to-day life at home feeling confused about how I could serve my community. Then everything shifted when I came across SAPOT’s ad for peer support worker training.

Feeling Validated Through My Life Story

I’m not sure if others feel the same, but by sharing my experiences and strategies, I feel validated and valued. The validation from others who understand my perspective significantly boosts my self-esteem and confidence.

This makes me even more determined than ever to actively listen, offer guidance, and be a source of encouragement for those navigating similar paths.

Learning New Skills

Being a peer support worker requires skills like active listening, empathy, communication, and problem-solving. As I develop these skills and see the positive impact on the people I support, my self-efficacy grows.

This growth extends beyond my professional role. Thanks to the skills I’ve learned, I’ve also improved in my ability to connect with my daughters—and become a better parent.

A Deeper Understanding of My Own Journey

In helping others navigate their challenges, I gain a deeper understanding of my own recovery journey, triggers, and coping mechanisms. This self-reflection leads to further personal growth and resilience.

The journey of recovery is never linear—including mine. It has been, and still is, full of ups and downs. But one thing I’ve noticed that has changed is that I bounce back quicker after each setback. I used to dwell for weeks before I recovered. Not anymore.

Benefiting From the Experience of Others

By witnessing the struggles and triumphs of others with similar experiences, it helps normalise my own journey and reduce the feelings of shame I carry.

Peer support is not about me teaching others—it’s about us learning from each other. I’ve learned a lot from the experiences and knowledge of the individuals I’ve supported—especially their courage and eagerness to move forward.