The Tenets (Principles)

Tenets

The tenets for those with a mental health challenge are in blue

and the tenets for loved ones are in green

PRINCIPIO I

My life is affected by a mental health issue and can become unmanageable and hopeless, especially if ignored or untreated.  Therefore, I choose the help and support of others to overcome the struggles and find more joy in life.

El reto de salud mental de mi ser querido también me ha dejado sintiéndome impotente y sin esperanza. Por lo tanto, elijo la ayuda de otros para aprender acerca del trastorno y elegir límites saludables para mi mismo.

Together, we have understanding.  We remind each other of the Lord’s love, and that He alone can do all things.  He is the source of our hope, and in Him we can overcome all things.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Filipenses 4:13 (NVI)

PRINCIPIO II

My mental health challenge has also affected my relationships and the lives of those around me.  Therefore, I choose to overcome for both my own good, and the good of those who love me.

I haven’t always responded to my loved one’s mental health issue in ways that were good for the relationship.  Therefore, I choose to learn better ways to communicate with, support, and encourage my loved one.

Juntos, nos comprometemos a hablar la verdad en amor, sanando relaciones rotas y mirándonos el uno al otro como el Señor nos mira.

“Por lo tanto, sigamos lo que contribuye a la paz y a la mutua edificación.”
Romanos 14:19 (RVR1995)

PRINCIPIO III

My disorder can become an excuse.  Therefore, I choose to believe I can live a full and rich life in spite of my disorder.  I choose the support of people who will urge me to “push through”.

At times I don’t understand my loved one and can allow them to either wallow in their excuses, or push them too hard.   Therefore I choose to learn healthy, appropriate ways to contribute to my loved one’s recovery.

Juntos nos va mejor que tratar de salir adelante solos. Vamos a pedirnos cuentas unos a otros para aprender, crecer y elegir empujar hacia adelante en esperanza.

“Por eso, anímense y edifíquense unos a otros, tal como lo vienen haciendo.”  1 Tesalonicenses 5:11 (NIV)

PRINCIPIO IV

Mi trastorno puede conllevarme a que me sienta sin esperanza. Por lo tanto, elijo creer, sin importar cómo me sienta, que hay ayuda y esperanza para mi bienestar físico, emocional, psicológico y espiritual.

Hay momentos en los que yo también me siento sin esperanza, permitiendo que las acciones y la recuperación de mi ser querido definan mi felicidad. Por lo tanto, elijo vivir con límites emocionales saludables, y elijo mi propio gozo a pesar de los altos y bajos de mi ser querido.  

Together we remind each other that our hope and joy come from the Lord.  He alone is able to fulfill our needs in every aspect of our lives.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremías 29:11 (NIV)

PRINCIPIO V

While medicine is a key component in my recovery, it is not the only answer.  Therefore, I choose to explore new ways of thinking and acting in my relationships and daily living.

I, too, have been part of the cycle of dysfunctional living, either thinking I had all the answers or thinking the problem didn’t belong to me.   Therefore, I choose to submit myself to learning new behaviors and taking responsibility for my own healthy, balanced living.

Juntos elegimos libertad por sobre el sufrimiento, y gozo en vivir por medio del auto conocimiento en acción.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  II Corinthians 10:5

PRINCIPIO VI

At times I have allowed myself to become a victim, “defined” by my disorder.  Therefore I choose to overcome and live in hope and joy, in spite of my disorder.

At times, I have viewed myself as a victim of my loved one’s behavior and disorder, living in resentment, anger, unforgiveness, or self pity.  Therefore, I choose to separate the disorder from the person I love, forgive and let go of the past, and live as a contributor to successful recovery.

Juntos, compartimos en las victorias los unos de los otros y celebramos a la persona completa.

“Porque no nos ha dado Dios espíritu de cobardía, sino de poder, de amor y de dominio propio.”  II Timothy 1:7

Our purpose is to encourage one another to choose God’s fresh hope for our daily life and future.

Who we see here remains confidential.  What is said here stays here.
We don’t judge; nor do we lecture. We listen, we share and we grow.