Tim L.

About Tim Long

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Biography

I am an immigrant to the United States. I have worked as a fire fighter/first responder, and a US ARMY Infantryman, until a severe injury from a roadside bomb blast in Iraq. I've struggled with intravenous opiate addiction that led to lengthy jail sentence and I have attempted suicide several times. Once I decided to try and get well, I utilized the GI Bill to earn a Bachelors degree in Psychology emphasizing in substance abuse counseling, then became a certified peer specialist. I have worked for veteran non-profits, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, SMART recovery facilitation and several other wellness centers providing support to those who have struggled with similar afflictions. I've been doing peer support of some kind for 5 years and I know how much it helped me. I know what it is like to wake up every day feeling nothing but hopelessness and despair. Today I live in line with my values, and I am proud of the person I have become. It is an honor and a pleasure to support those who currently do not have hope in their lives.

Specialties

My Recovery Story

In recovery from Opiate and Benzodiazepine addiction. I am currently in recovery from combat PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury.

My Motivation To Help

I believe my life was saved by a peer that worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs and since that time I have wanted to be that person for someone else. I believe that sharing similar life experiences helps relate individuals on a level that cannot be achieved in a clinical setting. Working in recovery and helping others gives me sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Being a peer keeps me living a life of wellness.

My Chatrooms

Anxiety Support Chat Room (ASCR)

Members: 4110

Moderated by Tim Long, a HeyPeers Group Leader. This group is for anyone struggling with anxiety disorders: phobias, social anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, panic attacks, excessive worry or any other issues with anxiety.All peers and peer supporters are welcome to join. We have a no solicitation/no promotion policy for peer supporters.

Military Veterans

Members: 19

This chat is for past and present members of the armed forces, please do not join this chat if you do not have any military service. This is a safe place to find support for the challenges we face as veterans. You do not have to have a diagnosis to join, although we will have a special focus on mood disorders and those who have experienced MST. This chat is for all veterans of all eras, combat/noncombat, any gender, any branch.