Peer listening or therapy: which one do you need?

What peer listening is

Peer listening is talking to an ordinary person whose job, for that call, is to listen. They don't diagnose, prescribe or follow a treatment plan. They let you talk, ask a question now and then, and don't judge what you say.

It suits things like:

• A bad day, or a bad week, that you need to get off your chest
• Feeling lonely, or unheard
• Things you can't say to friends or family
• Thinking out loud before a decision
• Just wanting a friendly voice for a while

What therapy is

Therapy is work with a qualified professional, such as a clinical psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist. They can assess what's going on, and psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe medicine. Therapy usually runs over weeks or months, with a plan and goals.

Signs it's time to see a professional

This list isn't a diagnosis, but if any of these sound like you, a professional is the right next step:

• Low mood, worry or numbness that has lasted more than two weeks
• It's getting in the way of sleep, eating, work or studies
• Panic attacks, or fear that stops you doing everyday things
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope
• Something traumatic happened and it keeps coming back
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or not wanting to be alive

It's not either-or

Many people see a therapist once a week and still have days when they need to talk to someone right now. A therapist works on the bigger picture. A listener is there for the moment in between.

Where to start in India

• Tele-MANAS, 14416: the government's free mental health helpline, open 24×7 in many Indian languages. It can also connect you to a professional.
• Your doctor, or the psychiatry department of a government hospital: a good first stop if you're not sure what you need.
• SuperSocial: for when you need someone to listen. Real people checked by our team, voice calls never recorded, ₹6 a minute, no subscription.