Support Group
November 7 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BRIGHT TOMORROWS SUPPORT GROUP (BTSG) meetings for adults with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder take place September through May, typically on the FIRST (7:00-8:00 p.m.) & THIRD (7:00-8:30 p.m.) Thursday evenings. This is a curriculum-based psycho-educational support program that gives to participants helpful tools. This opportunity inspires hope and affirms the Christian faith as participants join together with others on a similar healing-recovery journey.
When facing a major illness, living with a chronic health challenge, or needing to know how to best cope with a stressful life change or crisis, you don’t have to go it alone—in fact, it’s healthier for you and all concerned that you do not try to go it alone. A support group can help. Support groups are designed to bring together people facing similar issues. It can be helpful just to get to talk with other people who are in the same situation.
- BTSG PARTICIPANT PRECONDITIONS: One must be an adult who (1) has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder or a unipolar disorder (major depressive disorder); (2) has a current medical, clinical, and/or therapeutic care connection; and (3) are current with their medications.
- TOPICS INCLUDE: Identity, Stigma, Medication, Holistic Recovery, Healthy Thinking, Rest / Relaxation and Joy, Coping, Cycles & Triggers, Mindfulness, Community, It’s Not Your Fault, and Staying Resilient.*
*Core Curriculum Source: Mental Health Grace Alliance / Living Grace Group Materials (www.mentalhealthgracealliance.org)
The third Thursday meeting each month joins the BTSG together with the BTFG. We call this our Pizza Party With A Purpose Nite. This is a special time for food, fellowship, and focus.
There is no formal charge. However, all who can are invited to contribute to the purchase of the pizzas. Also, all participants are invited to consider bringing a party shareable, e.g., a dessert item or caffeine-free pop.
During “focus” time, Tim Reside facilitates question & answer sessions, discussions, and/or a presentation designed to inspire and inform.
There are no 4th and 5th Thursday evening meetings.
When facing a major illness, living with a chronic health challenge, or needing to know how to best cope with a stressful life change or crisis, you don’t have to go it alone—in fact, it’s healthier for you and all concerned that you not try to go it alone. A support group can help. Support groups are designed to bring together people facing similar issues. It can be helpful just to get to talk with other people who are in the same situation.
FACILITATORS: Tim and Nancy Reside are the co-facilitators of these support groups offered under the auspices of Bright Tomorrows. Click here for biographical and credential information.
COST: We are supported by the freewill tax-deductible donations of those who benefit and/or appreciate the work and ministry services offered under the auspices of Bright Tomorrows. This includes welcoming churches and para-church organizations to consider including Bright Tomorrows in their benevolence budget. In addition to donations given in person or by way of postal service, donations can be made online. Simply click on the blue and yellow DONATE button on this website for instructions. In order to ensure that cost not be a prohibitive factor, we do not charge for our services.
DISCLAIMER: Although the results of attending these meetings are often found to be therapeutic, a support group is not a therapy group. The objective of the support group is not the resolution of the deeper mental health-related issues that require one-on-one professional therapeutic assistance. The focus of these Christian support group meetings is two-fold: (1) to provide, in an informal but organized way, an atmosphere that is faith-affirming and hope-inspiring; and (2) to promote supportive communication among brothers and sisters in Christ who share common experiences, challenges, and concerns. Bright Tomorrows does not recommend or endorse the use of any specific treatment, medication, or suggested coping practice. Individuals should consult with their physicians and/or mental health professionals regarding any meant to be helpful suggestions. While all information and suggestions offered by Tim and/or Nancy Reside are offered in good faith, each recipient must assume personal responsibility for verifying the validity and applicability of such information and/or suggestions.