A consumer would like to support a neighborhood rally but has anxiety about attending. They want the Peer Support Specialist to accompany them. What action would the Peer Support Specialist take?

• A. Recommend the consumer practice breathing exercises.
• B. Participate in the activity as requested by the consumer.
• C. Suggest the consumer stay home to avoid overstimulation.
• D. Inform the consumer it is not worth the effort of people's time.

Answer: (B)

Supporting autonomy by accompanying the consumer to the rally honors their self-directed goal and provides practical, nonjudgmental support. By being there with them as requested, the peer supports the consumer’s participation, helps plan for the outing, and offers presence and reassurance during the event. This approach reduces anxiety through companionship, reinforces coping strategies, and models empowerment and self-advocacy. Other options don’t align with the goal of helping the consumer engage in an activity they want to attend: suggesting breathing exercises alone doesn’t address the social barrier, recommending staying home avoids growth and participation, and dismissing the effort undermines empowerment.