About

Bridget to the Other Side is a feature film about reducing mental health stigma and finding the strength and resilience to recover from trauma and grief.  The pandemic has  negatively impacted the mental health needs of people across the country - leading to gaps in service as mental health providers struggle to meet the increased demands.

 

In a 2021 study by NIH COVID-19 Research, "nearly half of Americans surveyed reported recent symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder, and 10% of respondents felt their mental health needs were not being met. Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder have increased since the beginning of the pandemic."

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Prior to the pandemic, first responders—including EMS and Fire personnel—were already facing a disproportionately high number of mental health issues and substance use disorders due to the traumatic nature of their jobs. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared with 20% of the general population. Additionally, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, policemen and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty and EMS providers are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public.

 

Bridge to the Other Side shines a spotlight on these statistics in a compelling narrative that offers help for both personnel as well as clients, and helps reduce the stigma associated with reaching out for help and support.