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For a year and a half, I was involved in the Project Liberty Peer Support Initiative, which ended recently when federal disaster relief funds ran out. Project Liberty began as a way of helping mental health consumers affected by the World Trade Center disaster. The idea was to employ other mental health consumers as counselors. Eventually, the project served all mental health consumers.

In addition to the hope and pride Peer Support gives to the recipient consumers, it also provides unique employment opportunities for the peer counselors. I learned a great deal at Project Liberty. I learned to believe in myself. I learned not to judge others who appear less functional than me. And I learned the importance of peer support for myself.

My self-esteem was reborn because of Project Liberty. I spent the two year preceding Project Liberty in and out of hospitals, and screaming on the street. At Project Liberty, instead of being the person in need, I was giving services. I gave presentations on our organization to providers and ran support groups.

I had to get up in the morning when I was depressed and facilitate support groups I did not know. It was challenging work. I got a paycheck and started to feel good about myself. I was promoted twice and earned the respect of my supervisors. I trained other employees, six of whom I supervised. I even found the courage to reapply for my law license.

Toward the end of the project I became overconfident. Then, I met a few consumers who reminded me to respect people with different abilities. For instance, I thought one gentleman would never be able to communicate. Then, one day when I was leading a group, I asked for topics. He surprised me with a great suggestion--overwhelmingly approved by the group.

A few other consumers impressed me with their attention to their own mental health. I looked down on them because they chose not to work. Then, I started to listen and learned how much energy they put into staying well. They took their mental health seriously. And whether they went to the gym or socialized with others at a clubhouse, they led fulfilling lives.

Perhaps my greatest lesson at Project Liberty was the importance of Peer Support for myself. If I were in a depression, I could be honest and tell my coworkers what I was going through. Project Liberty was always having another party. Hugs and other support were constant. I was inspired by the accomplishments of coworkers. If they could do it, then I could do it too.

I recommend that consumers get involved with peer support groups. It will make a difference in your life-for the better.