I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Other than a textbook, where can I find information about this and other mental illnesses? How can I connect with other people who are also learning to manage and recover from these disorders?

One place to find information about bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses is the BRIDGES (Building Recovery of Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support) program. BRIDGES is an adult peer-to-peer program based on the belief that those of us with mental illness can and do recover. We believe that recovery is a deeply personal journey that is as individual as you are. There are two components to BRIDGES: a 15-week educational course and on-going support groups which are open to anyone with a diagnosis of mental illness. The education classes and support groups are based on two principals: learning about facts and learning about feelings. These interactive sessions also provide opportunities to learn and practice coping skills. Persons with a mental illness who have gone through a training program teach the course and/or facilitate the support groups. Education course attendees who choose to receive training have the opportunity to become course teachers or support group leaders. All BRIDGES educational classes and support groups are free of charge. The only requirements are a psychiatric diagnosis and a desire to pursue your recovery. BRIDGES classes and support groups are offered throughout Missouri. Please feel free to contact me for more information about attending or starting a BRIDGES class in your community.

Anita Morrison, LPN
BRIDGES Program Director
Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis
314-773-1399

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, formerly The Depressive and Manic Depressive Association of St. Louis (DMDA), offers self-help support groups to those diagnosed with either depression or manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder. DMDA offers over 40 support groups monthly in a variety of locations throughout greater St. Louis. DMDA was established in 1980 and its primary mission is to provide education and support to people whose lives are affected by depression or manic depression, so as to enhance their employment opportunities, improve recreation and relationship skills, and to reduce the occurrence of symptoms. DMDA also offers a library of understandable information about mental illness in its library at the St. Louis Empowerment Center. The St. Louis Empowerment Center is a drop-in center for St. Louis city residents who have chronic mental illness, including persons with mental illness who are homeless. It is open from 7:00am to 6:00pm daily and is operated by DMDA and the Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis, a United Way agency. The center is funded by the Mental Health Board of the City of St. Louis. To learn more about support groups and the drop-in center, call DMDA at 314-776-3969.

Helen Minth
Executive Director, DBSA
St. Louis, MO

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