If You're in Crisis
RecoveryBridge is peer support, not crisis intervention. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please reach out for immediate help:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 • Available 24/7
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 • Available 24/7
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate danger
Our Commitment to Safety
RecoveryBridge is built on mutual respect, compassion, and safety. These guidelines help create a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and protected.
Guidelines for Everyone
✅ Do:
• Treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy
• Share your experiences and support others from your perspective
• Respect boundaries - if someone doesn't want to talk about something, that's okay
• Use the report feature if you see concerning behavior
• Take breaks when you need them - self-care comes first
• Keep conversations confidential - what's shared in chats stays private
❌ Don't:
• Give medical, legal, or professional advice
• Pressure others to share more than they're comfortable with
• Share others' personal information or stories without permission
• Engage in romantic or sexual conversations
• Try to diagnose others or prescribe treatments
• Share graphic or triggering content without warning
🎧 For Listeners
Thank you for offering support! Here's how to be an effective, safe listener:
Listen actively and without judgment
Let the person guide the conversation. Your role is to listen, not to fix.
Share your experiences, not advice
Instead of "You should...", try "What worked for me was..." Remember, you're a peer, not a therapist.
Know your limits
It's okay to say "I'm not sure I'm the right person for this." If someone needs professional help, encourage them to seek it.
Watch for burnout
Supporting others is rewarding but can be draining. Take breaks and practice self-care.
If someone mentions self-harm or suicide
Encourage them to contact 988 or other crisis resources immediately. Don't try to be a crisis counselor - that's beyond peer support.
🤝 For Those Seeking Support
We're here for you! Here's how to get the most out of RecoveryBridge:
Share at your own pace
You decide what and how much to share. There's no pressure to open up before you're ready.
Remember - peers, not professionals
Listeners are people with lived experience, not therapists. They can offer support and understanding, but not treatment or diagnosis.
Seek professional help when needed
RecoveryBridge is a supplement to professional care, not a replacement. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.
It's okay to disconnect
If a conversation isn't helpful or feels uncomfortable, you can end it at any time. Your wellbeing comes first.
Different listeners, different styles
If one conversation doesn't click, try connecting with someone else. Finding the right support match may take time.
Reporting Concerns
Your safety is our priority. If you experience or witness any of the following, please report it immediately:
• Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior
• Requests for personal information (phone number, address, etc.)
• Inappropriate romantic or sexual advances
• Someone impersonating a healthcare professional
• Spam, scams, or commercial solicitation
• Encouragement of harmful behaviors
How to report: Use the 🚩 Report button during a chat, or contact us at safety@recoverybridge.com
Privacy and Confidentiality
What we protect: Your conversations are private and encrypted. We never share your personal information without your consent.
What we ask of you: Please respect others' privacy too. Don't share screenshots, personal details, or stories from your conversations without explicit permission.
Exception: We may need to break confidentiality if there's an immediate risk of harm to you or others, or if required by law.
Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries make RecoveryBridge work for everyone:
• Keep conversations on the platform - don't exchange personal contact info
• Respect that people may not always be available
• It's okay to say "I need to take a break"
• Avoid becoming dependent on one person for support
• Remember - this is peer support, not friendship or therapy
Questions About Safety?
If you have questions or concerns about safety on RecoveryBridge, please contact us at safety@recoverybridge.com