Every day, we hear from individuals who are looking for something many of us take for granted: someone who understands what they’re going through. For people living with mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, especially men who are too often told to “man up” or “deal with it,” that kind of support can be life-changing.
At Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), peer support is at the heart of what we do. We believe in the power of peers — people with firsthand experience of living with a mood disorder — to offer hope, practical support, and a path forward. In a country overwhelmed by a growing mental health crisis, peer support isn’t just meaningful — it’s essential.
The numbers are stark. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition each year. However, our healthcare system simply isn’t built to meet that level of need. More than 75% of U.S. counties face a shortage of mental health professionals, leaving thousands of Americans facing long waitlists and unaffordable costs that keep mental health support out of reach. That’s where peer support comes in.
The effectiveness of peer support
Peer supporters aren’t therapists, but they are trained professionals. They use their personal experience with mental health conditions, recovery, and wellness to help others navigate their own journies. The connection is immediate and human. It’s one thing to talk to someone with credentials — it’s another to talk to someone who’s been there.
Peer support works. Research echoes what our community has known for decades: Peer support reduces hospitalizations, boosts engagement in outpatient care, improves quality of life, and increases a sense of belonging. Studies have also demonstrated significant cost savings from peer support, outweighing the costs of providing these services and reducing the burden on our healthcare system.
However, despite its proven benefits, peer support remains under-recognized and underfunded. That needs to change. We need to invest in peer support infrastructure — training, certification, fair pay, and access. We need to take it seriously as a legitimate, professional pathway in mental healthcare. Most importantly, we need to recognize that mental health doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution, and recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.
Benefits for men
For men, in particular, peer support can offer a unique opportunity. When stigma and silence stand in the way of seeking help, connecting with someone who says, “I get it” can break down barriers and open the door to healing. Peer support fosters trust, builds community, and reminds people that they’re not alone.
Peer support is not a luxury; it’s a necessity — and one we can’t afford to overlook any longer.
This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s expand the conversation. Let’s invest in solutions that are accessible, affordable, and grounded in real human connection. Peer support is a lifeline, and sometimes the only one available. Let’s treat it that way.
