I was diagnosed with bipolar about 5 years ago. I’ve been able to stay stable with some success, but never felt I had all of the tools I needed to manage this. And I never felt like my medications were working as well as they could. I had tried to make changes to my medication regimen at home, but it felt too risky and never ended well. I went to Bridges to have a dedicated few weeks to work on myself. I really appreciated the chance to find the medications that worked for me in such a safe place with input from a whole team of amazing doctors and therapists. I feel safer in life now–not so afraid of my illness. My time at Bridges was a great investment in my health, confidence and stability.

After having my second child, I didn’t have the energy I used to. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I couldn’t concentrate, I couldn’t think. It was scary. My psychiatrist recommended Bridges to Recovery. The first day I was really nervous, but as soon as I met the other residents, I felt like I had a support group already here. I learned so much about how to help myself. Now I know how to identify what might set me off, and what to do with the feelings of depression and isolation when they come up. And most importantly, I feel happy again.

I wanted a team of excellent professionals collaborating on my daughter’s care and diagnosis. I was not disappointed. The growth she experienced in a few weeks at Bridges changed her life. We had been taking her to therapy for years already, but life was still such a struggle for her. It’s a terribly helpless feeling as a parent. As much as we tried to understand what she was going through, we didn’t know how to help. After Bridges, we all feel clear about her diagnosis and clear about what she needs to stay healthy. It was truly a godsend.

I’ve struggled in every friendship, relationship and job I’ve tried to have. I knew I needed to learn how to communicate with people in a healthier way, but I ended up quitting group therapy every time I tried it. After I was fired from my last job, my self-esteem was about as low as its ever been. I went to Bridges out of desperation, but not expecting much. My therapists were so understanding and helpful. I found that I actually wanted to participate in group therapy, which has never been the case in the past. The groups were always small and I felt safe and listened to. The therapists who led the groups really helped us understand each other. I left feeling confident in my ability to be with other people. Life is so much better with that connection.

I arrived at Bridges frustrated and demoralized, ready to give up on any hope of getting better. I had been through so many diagnoses and so many medications. Nothing was helping me live my life in a comfortable way. The treatment at Bridges was incredible. I left six weeks later hopeful, thankful, and ready to get back to living. I feel healthy and stable. It’s amazing to live without all of the fear.

In the hospital, it seemed like I met with a different doctor or therapist everyday. I had to explain my situation to every new shift of workers. Having a consistent team of doctors and therapists for my entire time at Bridges was so comforting. I made a lot of progress in that month. Bouts of anxiety and depression used to leave me incapacitated for days or weeks at a time. Now I’m working again, enjoying my family, and feeling hopeful that continued stability is possible.

It’s not an understatement to say that Bridges to Recovery saved my life. I had been struggling with depression for five years, unable to cope with much of anything. I ended up trying to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, which of course, only made things worse. By the time my family helped me check into Bridges, I was wreck in every sense of the word. Now, those days seem long ago, thanks to the treatment I received there. It was like having a team of professionals totally devoted to my case! It was about more than their knowledge, however. I truly felt like each and every one of them cared about me and my situation. I will never forget the people I met at Bridges to Recovery. I owe you so much!

I was nervous about entering into a treatment program. I had never done anything like this before, but my addiction and anxiety were taking over my life and I knew that I had to make a change. From the moment I walked in the door at Bridges to Recovery, I knew that I had made the right decision. Everyone just made me feel so at ease! And the house was really cool, too. It was comfortable and felt a lot like home. The treatment program worked wonders, and I felt like every step of the plan was designed specifically for me. Now, I’ve got my life back, and I have Bridges to Recovery to thank.

I came to Bridges depressed, angry, and scared. After settling in, I realized that I was in exactly the place I needed to be. The anger management group made a big difference for me. The loving staff and doctors at Bridges helped me through a really dark time. I am grateful. Thank you, Bridges to Recovery. You changed me and my family’s life.

I tried a number of different treatment programs, but none of them seemed to work for me. I had started to give up all hope by the time I enrolled in the program at Bridges to Recovery. Here it is a year later, and all I can say is thank goodness I did! It was so much different than the hospital care I had received for my condition. There was love and attention, and a staff of counselors who really seemed to care about the people they were treating. This past year has been one of the best of my life. I’ve got my family and my career back. I feel like I can accomplish anything just by putting the things I learned at Bridges to Recovery into action every day. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart