BRIDGES

TMHCA’s Building Recovery & Individual Dreams & Goals through Education & Support (BRIDGES) was founded in 1995. Since that time, BRIDGES has been implemented in large and small communities across Tennessee. Over 3000 individuals take part in BRIDGES annually. Its success has led to its replication in 12 states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada.

BRIDGES is a self-help program that provides education and support to mental health consumers. It is available to adults who have a diagnosis of mental illness. There are two parts to the program: a set of courses on recovery taught by mental health consumers; and support groups facilitated by mental health consumers.

The 10-week education component of the program includes classes of different lengths, designed for consumers in either community or inpatient settings. Courses offer detailed information on mental illness, mental health treatment, self-help skills and the philosophy of recovery. The goal is to empower students to take an active role in their treatment and recovery. Classes include discussions and exercises to help students apply the information. Many BRIDGES courses are taught in Peer Support Centers around the state.

The other part of the program consists of ongoing support groups. BRIDGES support group meetings provide a structured way for individuals to work with one another to strengthen coping skills and deal with the realities of living with a psychiatric disability. These meetings supply the emotional “glue” that enables people to ease individual and group feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or guilt. The “Principles of Support” and “Emotional Stages of Recovery” provide individuals with a foundation for building and maintaining a healthy, happy life.

For more information about BRIDGES in your area, please call us at (888) 539-0393 or email TMHCA at info@tmhca-tn.org

TMHCA BRIDGES
955 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 250-1176
Email: info@tmhca-tn.org

Funded by the Tennessee Deportment of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Principles of Support
I believe there are sources of inner strength that will sustain me in times of crisis.



I believe there are people who will care for and support me in my progress toward recovery. I will sustain this support system for my own benefit and the benefit of others.



I accept that I have been diagnosed with a mental illness. For this, I will not blame myself.



I will forgive myself and others for mistakes of the past. Through this struggle to forgive, I will move forward in my recovery.



I understand and acknowledge that this mental illness has an impact on every aspect of my life.



I will recognize and let go of those things I cannot control.



I accept responsibility for my own recovery: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.



I choose to live in the present rather than dwelling on the past, or worrying about the future.



I will set myself up to succeed by building on reasonable expectations for myself and others.



I choose to rediscover and rebuild myself, to be proud of who I am and to grow in my relationships with others.



Together we can and we will make a difference.