“The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and pyschosocial treatments and supports.” – National Alliance on Mental Illness
Richard did not always feel this way. His lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder left him so sad he often spent days crying in the corner of a room. Richard, also a cancer survivor, credits his family, his faith and the treatment he received at Bridges for turning his life around. “There was a time I could not speak, could not look another person in the eye, could not connect with anyone. Bridges staff never gave up on me. With their help and the right medication, my life today is better than I could ever believe possible.”
After working at a bank for 28 years, today Richard volunteers his time at several organizations including the local senior center and local church. “When you help others you help yourself. My credo is, just for today, I will do all the things I can, for all the people I can, in all the ways I can.”
“I have been a patient at Bridges for many many years and I am proud to say that I have been able to make great strides in my recovery to grow and become more able to do things in the outside world. :)”