No one wants to talk about suicide, yet it is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34. Despite society’s progress in talking more about mental illness, suicide still remains highly stigmatized. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 1.4 million adults attempt suicide each … Continue reading Suicide Risks, Signs and Prevention Tips
Category: Mental Illness
The Importance of Social Connection
Socialization is particularly important for the emotional well-being of people with serious mental illness (SMI). This is true for several reasons. When people maintain their connections with others, they are more likely to be tuned in to the world around them, given that social expectations require attention, commitment and concentration. For people with SMI, social … Continue reading The Importance of Social Connection
Causes and Characteristics of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), “people with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends.” The term ‘schizophrenia’ meaning “a splitting of … Continue reading Causes and Characteristics of Schizophrenia
The Complex Brain and Diagnosis
I’m 62 years old and a former journalist, TV producer, marketing director, publisher and small business owner living with ADHD. Six years ago, I started having symptoms of confusion, memory loss, and dysphasia. I could no longer remember simple things like my office passcode, my own cell phone number, how to turn on the dryer, … Continue reading The Complex Brain and Diagnosis
Managing Bipolar Beyond Medication
Managing Bipolar Disorder Individuals with bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, struggle with unusual mood swings, thinking, and behavior. Unfortunately, the treatment for bipolar is not “one-size fits all.” Over the past 30 years, medication has proven to be successful in managing bipolar symptoms. Lithium, zyprexa, and Abilify are some of the most common medications used to manage … Continue reading Managing Bipolar Beyond Medication