Did you know bipolar disorder affects over 60 million people worldwide? According to the National Institute for Mental Health (2022), "bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can be chronic (persistent or constantly reoccurring) or episodic (occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals). " People are diagnosed with three basic types of bipolar disorder that involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from manic episodes to depressive episodes.

• Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days (most of the day, nearly every day) or when manic symptoms are so severe that hospital care is needed. Usually, separate depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of mood disturbance with mixed features are also possible. The experience of four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year is termed “rapid cycling.”
• Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but the episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
• Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurrent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

​ Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are ways to help yourself, as well as your friends and loved ones.

• Get treatment and stick with it. Treatment is the best way to start feeling better.
• Keep medical and therapy appointments and talk with your health care provider about treatment options.
• Take medication as directed.
• Structure activities. Keep a routine for eating, sleeping, and exercising.
• Try regular, vigorous exercise like jogging, swimming, or bicycling, which can help with depression and anxiety, promote better sleep, and is healthy for your heart and brain.
• Keep a life chart to help recognize your mood swings.
• Ask for help when trying to stick with your treatment.
• Be patient. Improvement takes time. Social support helps.

For more information on March 30th National bipolar day, click to the World Bipolar website at: World Bipolar Day - International Bipolar Foundation (ibpf.org)
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Resources for Children of Incarcerated Parents.pdf

8 Things Children of Incarcerated Parents Need To Know.
They cannot be blamed for their parent's incarceration
To know what will remain the same and what will change during the parent's incarceration (such as contact with the parent, living situation, school situation, etc.) To visit and maintain contact with their parent when permitted to do so
To know they are still loved
To be encouraged to express their feelings about their parent and their parent's incarceration
To have stability and consistency in their living situation and daily routine
To feel safe
To realize that a person's choices in life lead to different consequence

By Veronica Morano

A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others. Examples of this could be speaking in public, meeting new people, a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store. The fear that people with social anxiety disorder may have in social situations is so intense that they feel it is beyond their control. For some, this gets in the way of everyday tasks like attending work or school and can lead to avoiding places or events that cause distress. (NIMH) Social anxiety disorder is generally treated with talk therapy, medication, or both. Speak with a provider about the best treatment for you.


Affirmations for Social Anxiety:
· I am welcome here.
· I choose peace over worry.
· It is okay to feel anxious in social situations. I am not alone in feeling this way.
· I can choose to be kind to myself and not judge myself for feeling anxious.
· It is normal to make mistakes and have awkward moments. I don’t have to be perfect.
· I am worthy of love and acceptance, even if I struggle in social situations.
· My confidence in myself is growing with each passing day.
· I trust in myself and my ability to navigate social situations with ease and grace.
· I am not defined by my social anxiety.
· I let go of the fear of judgement.


Reference: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness

Greetings to all and here we are in February 2024! We at The Mental Mediator celebrate diversity and inclusiveness year round. What better way to kick off Black History Month than with a quote from the amazing Maya Angelou. Our wonderfully supportive staff do just that - provide hope, happiness, and yes, even rainbows when you may be feeling lost in moments of darkness.