Russell Warner

I choose to work as a Peer Support Specialist to pay forward the help that once saved me. When I was struggling, I needed someone who understood what I was going through, and had the life experience to help me help myself.

By listening intently, empathizing, and understanding needs; I grant others the same patience and kindness that I’ve learned to give myself. I want to provide that safety for others to do the same, because for me, hope came from this. I began to open my mind to new ideas and gave myself the freedom to be vulnerable.

Recovery is the process of regaining control over something lost. I once lost command of my own brain; thoughts and emotions began to attack my well-being.  Throughout my recovery journey, I learned to take charge of my brain and life. The more I’ve practiced climbing out of the pit of despair, the more resilient I’ve become. I’ve also found that the pit becomes less deep each time.