DBSA Succasunna group members give positive suggestions to attendees on how to improve daily life.  In my experience with my own life, consumers will improve themselves one suggestion at a time; that is how the road to recovery starts.  DBSA is an organization to help persons with mental illness, and in my opinion a positive self help group.  I hope others will come and see what we have to offer.                
                                     (Consumer/Patient)

DBSA Succasunna is a place where you can be brutally honest about how you are feeling at a given time and events that have occurred in the past without being concerned that you will be judged, disliked, misunderstood or scorned. Instead you will find people such as yourself who have either suffered from a mental health problem or tried to help someone who does. You will find acceptance, concern and an endless supply of ideas for how to improve or stabilize your current situation. Most of all you will find new friends who will provide you with hope as you seek a pathway to a successful life for yourself, family or friends.
                                    (Consumer/Patient & Family Member)

My life was in shambles the day my bright, beautiful, intelligent and energetic son tried to take his own life, and it was with great difficulty that we were both able to get thru that heart wrenching experience.  I read everything that I could get my hands on about his diagnosis - bipolar disorder.  Then I started to hear that there was a support group in the area for people who suffer from this disorder and their family members.  I thought at first that I would not want to go to a group and share the intimate details of that painful experience but when I found DBSA Succasunna, I found that a lot of strength could be gained in doing just that.  It's a wonderful group of brave individuals who give of themselves selflessly whether in describing their own experience with the disorder or that of a loved one.  It is so uplifting to know that one is not alone with this experience and there definitely is a lot of truth in the saying " there is strength in numbers".  Thank you DBSA Succasunna for what you are doing for mankind ....making it possible for the rest of us to learn and accept more about ourselves and our loved ones.
                                                (Family Member)

I had been out of work for almost 2 years and become very depressed and suicidal to the point that I was hospitalized for a week and since then have been going to individual therapy at St. Clare's on Morris Ave in Denville. This is how I found out about DBSA Succasunna and Bonnie. At first, I was very reluctant and scared to call, especially since I am a nurse and was afraid this would affect my returning to work.
  
Bonnie was great right from the beginning and convinced me to attend a group. At first, I was very scared about talking and reacting with others, but then I found out that  there are definitely others out there with depression and bipolar type 2. I had always thought bipolar was not what I had until I learned about type 2. And it even helped me more to realize there are others in the same boat.

I have been a member of DBSA Succasunna almost 2  years now and have become active. I am on the board . . . .  and am the Sunshine Club chairperson (sending birthday cards to those persons who choose to be part of club) and really enjoy having gotten so active. This is a completely new direction that my life has gone in and one I never thought it would.

Also I have returned to full time nursing working in the evening. This is my preferred shift, but the down side is I have had to give up a lot of my time spent with DBSA Succasunna friends. But I also realized that if it weren't for DBSA Succasunna I never would have had the guts to go and look for work. Yes, I had my therapist, husband and others behind me, but DBSA Succasunna allowed me to express my fears and talk about what is really going on in my life.

The support I receive from DBSA Succasunna is one of, if not THE, most important thing in my life. I do miss not attending all the groups, but I always try to if possible. I am especially glad that the day group has come into fruition and now that I have every Tuesday off, should be able to be at them.

Thank you DBSA Succasunna for being there for me. It was a God given gift for me and I'm glad I accepted it. 
                                    (Consumer/Patient)

As the parent of a consumer, I have been informed, educated and embraced as a DBSA Succasunna member. Current information, personal experiences, and challenging thought provoking ideas are commonplace at the group meetings.  Educational speakers often present monthly.  It's a well worthwhile experience for all.
                                    (Family Member)
 

Positive environment where comfort can be found through group discussion, educationals, and a helpful lending library.
                                    (Consumer/Patient)

I like to learn and listen about people with the same troubles that I have.
                                    (Consumer/Patient)

DBSA Succasunna has given me a sense of community. Someplace I can go and just be myself.
                                    (Consumer/Patient)

Getting involved with DBSA Succasunna meetings has been a pleasure and very comforting to me. As a person who battles with manic-depression, it is good to connect with others and share our experiences with honesty, caring and understanding. DBSA is essential in order for us to feel connected, reach for empowerment, and move into the future with confidence and hope.
                                     (Consumer/Patient)