My name is Olga L. Wuerz, a United States Army Veteran. In December 2008, my life completely changed when I became a Peer Support Specialist at the Dallas VA Hospital.

During my second enlistment in 1980 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder with psychosis. I became a Disabled Veteran and because I was an alcoholic they said I had a Dual Diagnosis. I began a ten year in and out stay in this same hospital on the acute in-patient ward.

After those years, I spent my time at home watching TV or helping my family, I then started to feel my life passing by me. It’s then that I decided to volunteer at the VA. I joined the Mental Health Consumer Advocacy Council. After visiting with a Peer Specialist, I knew that I too wanted to be Peer Specialist.

I met Dr. Dohoney the Peer Supervisor and was accepted into the program. I flew to Chicago to attend the DBSA Peer Support Training and became certified. Currently and for the last four years, I’ve worked in the same acute in-patient ward where I once was a patient. I enjoy giving support and helping offer hope of recovery.

At the moment I’m preparing to present at the VA National Mental Health In-Patient Training Conference where I am one of three Peer Specialist nation-wide discussing how Peer Specialist Impact an In-Patient unit. Becoming a Peer Specialist has changed the person I am in so many ways, I’ve developed confidence I never knew I had. My self-esteem is stronger than ever. I feel as if now I have a purpose or mission to my life.

Helping others who are going through the confusion I did for many years is a gift I thank God for. I never thought that by learning to become a better listener and then sharing my own experience of chaos would actually help someone realize that their not alone, but that they too could come through it. I am so much stronger and healthier physically and mentally than I have ever been.

The fact is that by helping my fellow veterans find hope and understanding, and what recovery can look like when they see and talk with me, I always let them know just how much they actually help me stay within my own recovery. -Olga