What is Bipolar Disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder is when a person has unusual mood changes; feeling very happy and more active than usual (manic) or feeling very sad and much less active than normal (depression). These mood swings are typically dramatic and unpredictable. Bipolar Disorder is often referred to as a manic-depressive illness. Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is often reserved until adulthood; however,…

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? The American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) defines Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a severe anxiety disorder in which a person is exposed to a traumatic event where: The person experienced or witnessed or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self…

What is Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)? Reactive Attachment Disorder is a mental health disorder in which a child does not have his/her basic needs for affection, nurturing and comfort met. As a result, loving and caring attachments with others are not developed. RAD is frequently seen in children and adolescents who have had inconsistent or abusive care in early childhood as well as in the womb. Most include but are…

What is a Suicidal Ideation? Suicidal Ideation is a medical term meaning thoughts about or an unusual preoccupation with how to kill oneself. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Over 1,500 teens kill themselves each year In 1998, there were 1,520 suicides among 13-18 year olds Approximately 1 in 12 high school students say they have made a suicide…

What is Low Self Esteem? Self esteem is a person’s overall evaluation or judgment of his or her own worth. Low self esteem is a person’s inability to accept himself; having an unfavorable opinion of oneself or lack of confidence or worth. A person with low self esteem has a poor self image. Abraham Maslow, psychologist and creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, states that psychological health is not possible…