Why does ShareWell ask members to avoid giving advice?
At ShareWell, peer support is built on sharing lived experience, not on telling others what to do. While advice is often given with good intentions, it can unintentionally create pressure, harm, or confusion, especially in a mental health–focused space. Members of ShareWell are not acting as therapists, clinicians, or medical professionals. Everyone arrives with their own history, needs, and circumstances, and what worked for one person may not be safe, appropriate, or helpful for another.
What does “sharing your experience” mean?
Sharing your experience means speaking from your own life, not directing someone else’s choices. For example:
“When I went through something similar, what helped me was…”
“In my experience, I struggled with…”
“I found that over time, I learned…”
This allows others to learn from your story without feeling judged, instructed, or pressured.
What counts as advice?
Advice includes:
Telling someone what they should or must do
Recommending specific treatments, medications, or diagnoses
Giving step-by-step guidance on how to handle a situation
Suggesting legal, medical, or therapeutic actions
Framing your opinion as the “right” or “best” solution
Even when meant kindly, these statements can cross boundaries and create unsafe dynamics.
What should I do if I want to help?
Listening, validating, and sharing your story are some of the most powerful ways to help. You can:
Reflect what someone shared
Offer empathy or understanding
Share what you learned from your own journey
Can I ever suggest professional help?
Yes. If someone appears to be struggling or in distress, it’s always okay to gently encourage them to seek professional or crisis support. This is not considered advice — it is part of keeping one another safe.
What happens if someone gives advice anyway?
Most of the time, advice-giving is addressed gently through reminders or education. Repeated or harmful advice may lead to warnings or further action under ShareWell’s Safety Policy.