Awareness is a great thing. Knowing that there is help for when you truly need help and seeking it means that you can go back to feeling "normal" again. (whatever normal is)
The problem today is that sometimes it seems as if there is a disorder for every possible kind of behavior. How are you supposed to know when you need help and what isn't a real disorder?
A psychologist writer friend of mine recently tackled this subject in a way that only he can. Read his article here
There are serious conditions that require treatment but the truth is that just feeling a little "off" sometimes doesn't mean that you are bipolar. Although it is true that having mental illness or substance abuse in your family history does put you at a higher risk for developing a disorder yourself, it doesn't mean that you will.
Some women are moody (most men reading this will not argue) but mood swings in itself are not bipolar. We all go through periods in our lives that cause us to worry and feel more stress. We can sometimes have times of extreme elation; think "falling in love". Does this mean we are experiencing depression, anxiety or a manic episode?
Probably not.
Bipolar disorder (for example) should not be diagnosed based upon a month of ups and downs in your moods. Proper diagnosis of most mental illnesses takes time and careful evaluation. A good doctor will not jump to label a patient.
Most people seek out an evaluation when they are feeling desperate and tired of the way they are feeling. These symptoms, whether they are ones of depression or those of anxiety are usually not good feelings. They disrupt your life and you know that you are in need of help.
Of course if your symptoms such as extremes in moods continue on and off for several months you should see a mental health professional. If you ever (even once) feel like you may hurt yourself or someone else - go to your local emergency room immediately. Do not wait for the feelings to pass. You will get help immediately.
Mental health awareness and reducing the stigma by talking openly about mental health is great. Remember that with most disorders the symptoms will be continuous for several weeks and may only increase in severity.
A woman (or man) can be moody without it being a disorder. A sloppy person may just be a sloppy person. Someone who likes things to be "just so" is not necessarily suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. The bottom line is unless it disrupts your life and alters how you live, it probably is your "normal".
The problem today is that sometimes it seems as if there is a disorder for every possible kind of behavior. How are you supposed to know when you need help and what isn't a real disorder?
A psychologist writer friend of mine recently tackled this subject in a way that only he can. Read his article here
There are serious conditions that require treatment but the truth is that just feeling a little "off" sometimes doesn't mean that you are bipolar. Although it is true that having mental illness or substance abuse in your family history does put you at a higher risk for developing a disorder yourself, it doesn't mean that you will.
Some women are moody (most men reading this will not argue) but mood swings in itself are not bipolar. We all go through periods in our lives that cause us to worry and feel more stress. We can sometimes have times of extreme elation; think "falling in love". Does this mean we are experiencing depression, anxiety or a manic episode?
Probably not.
Bipolar disorder (for example) should not be diagnosed based upon a month of ups and downs in your moods. Proper diagnosis of most mental illnesses takes time and careful evaluation. A good doctor will not jump to label a patient.
Most people seek out an evaluation when they are feeling desperate and tired of the way they are feeling. These symptoms, whether they are ones of depression or those of anxiety are usually not good feelings. They disrupt your life and you know that you are in need of help.
Of course if your symptoms such as extremes in moods continue on and off for several months you should see a mental health professional. If you ever (even once) feel like you may hurt yourself or someone else - go to your local emergency room immediately. Do not wait for the feelings to pass. You will get help immediately.
Mental health awareness and reducing the stigma by talking openly about mental health is great. Remember that with most disorders the symptoms will be continuous for several weeks and may only increase in severity.
A woman (or man) can be moody without it being a disorder. A sloppy person may just be a sloppy person. Someone who likes things to be "just so" is not necessarily suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. The bottom line is unless it disrupts your life and alters how you live, it probably is your "normal".
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