MEETING GUIDELINES
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Meetings begin and end on time.
Members are encouraged to use first and last names. To use only first names,
or insist on anonymity, implies that there is shame in mental illness.
Discuss the "here and now".
What is said in the group stays in the group.
Be an active listener.
Talk on a feeling level.
Admit your fears before trying to help others.
Remember that honesty makes understanding possible.
Everyone is given the opportunity to speak as well as the right to decline to
speak.
Advice and guidance are given ONLY when requested.
Regular attendance at BRIDGES meetings is not required. Members may come
and go as their needs change
PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORT
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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 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.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Support Group Participant Manual
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At the beginning of every meeting the Facilitator will:
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Identify self
Introduce Co-Facilitator (have "co" introduce self)
Remind group members about MEETING GUIDELINES (you might want group
members to read aloud)
Read the PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORT (have the group members help)
Welcome newcomers. Ask for brief introductions.
Call for introduction of other group members. (Be creative but firm in amount of
time used by each member for introductions.)
If a newcomer is present, ask someone in the group to share what the group has
meant (or done) for him or her.
Begin discussion and encourage group members to participate in support work.
Call for appropriate breaks. If the group has already established this, honor their
tradition. If not, let the group decide. Generally, a short break (10 minutes) is
needed at least every 45 minutes.
Close the meeting. Meeting should last no longer than 1½ hours. 10 minutes
before ending, announce “We have 10 minutes left.” Ask people to wrap up,
make announcements. Close with every member participating. Examples:
Mutually agreed on prayer, reading, song; or one thing they plan to do; or one
Principle of Support, etc.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Support Group Participant Manual
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EMOTIONAL STAGES OF RECOVERY
These stages are based on in-depth interviews about the feelings and needs of people
in the process of recovering from mental illness as they gain or regain a sense of self.
The stages will be covered in greater detail later.
Event 1: Crisis
Psychosis, suicide attempt, mania,
panic attack
Stage 1: Recuperation
A state of dependence
Emotions
Denial, confusion, despair, anger
Needs
Safe place, food, lots of sleep
A caregiver
Medications
Event 2: Decision
“Time to get going.”
Emotions
Grief, self-doubt, hope, anxiety,
frustration, pride
Stage 2: Rebuilding
Rebuilding independence
Needs
To be heard and accepted
Knowledge about mental illness,
people skills, work skills
Money, food, clothes, good place to
live
Event 3: Awakening
“I am somebody. I have a dream.”
Emotions
Acceptance of self and others
Confidence
Anger at injustice
Helpfulness to others
Stage 3: Recovery/Discovery
Building healthy interdependence
Needs
A dream to strive for
People who appreciate me
Intimacy, someone to love
Meaningful work
Play and physical activity
To advocate for self and others
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Support Group Participant Manual
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PROBLEM MANAGEMENT GUIDE: P.O.W.
The P.O.W. problem management method is used for members who face a dilemma or
decision where the guidance of other members could be helpful. The process
empowers the person with the problem while allowing others to give input.
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Past Experience (owner of the problem)
A.
Who has tried what, so far?
B.
For each attempted solution, what has happened?
C.
Stop trying solutions that haven't worked!
Options (group input)
A.
List all the ways you could imagine handling the problem.
B.
Pick one option from this list to actually try. If the option involves other
people, make sure you all agree to try this option.
C.
Clarify WHO will do WHAT, WHEN.
What to do (owner of the problem)
A.
Choose one option you most want to do. Then choose one or two more
options that you want to use as a back-up plan. Again, make sure
everyone involved in the option agrees to try it.
B.
Again, clarify who will do what when in carrying out back-up option(s).
Adapted from:
Edith Manion & Marilyn Meisel (1992) The Training and Education Center Network, Mental Health
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Support Group Participant Manual
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Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, by Linda Zweifel, Visions for Tomorrow (2000).
Used with permission from the authors.
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