Shared Lived Experience Forms Connection: The Power of Peer Support | Beth Walters | TEDxBradenton

NOTE FROM TED: Please consult a mental health professional if you are struggling. This talk contains a discussion of suicidal ideation. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
How does it feel when you have a conversation with someone who has had a similar experience as you? From pursuing her dream of becoming a clown for Ringling Brothers Circus to now working in the behavioral health field as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, Beth Walters shares about the impact of connection through peer support. From pursuing her dream of becoming a clown for Ringling Brothers Circus to now working in the behavioral health field as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, Beth Walters is extremely passionate about the impact of connection & bringing awareness to the field of peer support. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Oneonta in 2016 with a degree in Communication Studies & minor in Theatre. Although college provided an abundance of knowledge & experiences, the most meaningful knowledge Beth obtained was through finding her own pathway to recovery from mental health challenges. She is presently the supervisor of a substance use peer support program at a local non-profit behavioral health agency & has past experience providing peer support to individuals struggling with suicidal ideation.
In her self-care time, Beth enjoys listening to Chelsea Handler & self-help podcasts, watching documentaries, and hanging out with her two cats Kiara & Kovu. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@scottfisher5303]

What a beautiful speech! I myself just celebrated my one year sobriety. And just completed peer support specialist training. And I am so excited about working with others in hopes to make there lives better!

[@JessePike5]

Woah Beth! This just changed my life. My brain just got a firmware update from this talk.

[@redray9146]

I’m training to become a peer support specialist. I’m very excited to be able to help ppl with change their lives through the resiliency of my story. Thank you for this!

[@sunnylerae4277]

How is it going for you? Are you enjoying it?

[@lkenn100]

Such a timely and well delivered speech - thank you for sharing your story with us Beth😊

[@sarahmiller9672]

Yes, all the points! Important message. Connection heals.

[@debramasten9943]

SO proud of you BETH ! AMAZING and inspirational !!!

[@iSing4u2011]

Beautiful speech!! ❤

[@user-qp2mu5ls2n]

You are amazing !!! Thank you for your speech.

[@KuriousKi77y]

Music is my medicine!

[@leetrevor59]

I'm a certified Peer Wellness Specialist and traditional health worker. I just got certified in August and trying to find a job, including I have a Marketing degree and creative background.

[@williamromerogardens]

Thank you❤

[@belkiscooper238]

Thank you for sharing your story
I’m also looking to become a peers support 🥰

[@user-tm4ns7fz3g]

Can I ask you a question?