COMMUNITY NORMS:

These norms are our shared agreements to keep this space safe, supportive, and fulfilling for everyone. They apply to all participants in the peer matching program. By enrolling in the program, you agree to these conditions.

• Your story, your boundaries:

Share what you’re comfortable with. You don’t owe anyone your medical history, trauma, or personal details. It’s okay to say, “I’d rather not get into that,” or change the subject for your wellbeing. No one should pressure you to open up further. You should also extend this understanding to others.

• Lead with empathy, assume good intent:

Everyone here lives with something that’s often dismissed or misunderstood. Start from a place of kindness. If something lands wrong, give the other person the benefit of the doubt. You may choose to address it directly, but consider approaching gently.

• Listen to understand, not to respond:

This is peer support, not debate. You don’t need to solve anyone’s problem or offer advice unless they ask for it. Sometimes the most valuable response sounds like, “That sounds really hard. I get it.”

• No medical advice or “diagnosing”:

This is a community for peers, not a replacement for healthcare providers. Please don’t recommend treatments, interpret lab results, suggest medication changes, or diagnose others. What you can do: “Here’s what helped for me” or “I asked my doctor about X”.

• Respect privacy and confidentiality:

What’s shared in your group/partnership stays there. Don’t share others’ names, stories, or identifying details outside of the program without explicit permission. This includes screenshots, social media posts, etc.

• Give space and take space:

Notice how much you’re contributing versus leaving room for others. If you tend to share a lot, pause and invite someone else in. If you’re quieter, know that your voice is wanted and valued.

• Honor different experiences:

Our conditions may overlap, but everyone’s path looks different. Some people are newly diagnosed, some have been navigating this for decades. Some can work, some can’t. Some people have a good support system and others don’t. There is no hierarchy of suffering. Respect where each person is in their journey.

• Step away when you need to:

This space is intended to reduce isolation, not add pressure. If you’re having a rough day, if the conversation feels heavy, if you just don't have the energy; it is completely fine to take a step back. No explanation needed. You can rejoin whenever you’re ready.

• Flag concerns early:

If you notice someone really struggling, if a conversation crosses a line, or if you feel unsafe for any reason, please reach out to the moderators. This program comes with a team of volunteers who are dedicated to keeping it a safe space for all.