Many people with mental illnesses wonder if their mental illness is hereditary. It’s perfectly understandable.

To try to address this rather complex issue, we’ve compiled a list of 5 things you should consider regarding the genetic or hereditary nature of mental illness.

If you have more questions, or if you want to talk to a mental health professional about symptoms of mental illness, start with a free assessment today!

Research is ongoing

Perhaps the first thing to consider is that research into mental illness is ongoing. Doctors and researchers are continually learning new things about mental illness, testing hypotheses, and performing clinical tests. The National Institute of Mental Health says, “Research conducted and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found that many mental disorders are caused by a combination of biological, environmental, psychological, and genetic factors.”

It’s also important to note that, to date, there is no single genetic test that can determine your genetic risk factors for mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that your family history will tell you more than any genetic testing can, as “no gene variant can predict with certainty that a person will develop a mental disorder.”

Some Mental Illnesses are Hereditary

Scientists have known for a long time that some mental illnesses are hereditary, and are passed down from generation to generation. Other mental health concerns seem to be intergenerational, with siblings sharing common diagnoses, especially if their parents have mental health problems as well. Simply put, some mental illnesses run in families.

In particular, researchers are studying the genetic roots of mental illnesses including 

• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Schizophrenia 

Additionally, several developmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism appear to haver a genetic component in nature as well. 

As we stated above, however, not every child whose parent has a mental illness will share the diagnosis. As Dr. Allen Frances wrote for Psychology Today, “Having a close relative with a psychiatric disorder is usually the most predictable risk factor for developing that disorder yourself, but the relationship is not inevitable. Even identical twins (who have identical genes) as often as not do not develop the same psychiatric disorder.”

While evidence that mental illness is hereditary is statistically significant, Dr. Jordan Smoller tells us that “each of these genetic associations individually can account for only a small amount of risk for mental illness.”

Some Mental Illnesses are Environmental

If heredity and genetics can’t account for all instances of mental illness, then there must be other factors that contribute. There is ample evidence that environmental factors play a vital role in the development of some mental illness. These factors may include (but are not limited to)

• Trauma
• Stress
• Abuse
• Neglect 
• Poverty
• Bullying
• Loss of a parent
• Family problems
• Natural disasters or health epidemics

Any of these factors can potentially contribute to mental health problems, such as

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety
• Depression

These factors may exacerbate hereditary mental illness proclivities as well.

Some Mental Illnesses are Caused by a Mix of Things

As we stated above, most of the time mental illness is caused by a variety of factors working together. These might include biological factors such as a hormonal imbalance, environmental factors such as a traumatic brain injury or exposure to toxins. Or they might include a combination of all of these factors with genetics in the mix.

On our blog, for example, we’ve discussed a study involving fMRI brain scans of people who recently experienced a traumatic event. The study “ found differences in brain activity related to mental health symptoms. Participants with brain activity categorized as reactive/disinhibited (high activity related to both a threat and reward) had more symptoms of both PTSD and anxiety over the six-month follow-up period compared to people with different brain activity.”

In this study alone, you can get a sense for how complex the factors that cause mental illness can be. There simply is no single cause. Some piece of mental illness is hereditary in some cases, but as Dr. Allen Frances concludes “Right now, genetic studies give us an early insight into interacting dimensions of illness that are influenced not just by genes, but by interactions of genes with regulatory components, experience, and the actual illness and its treatment.”

Even Hereditary Mental Illnesses Can Be Treated

That last point Dr. Frances made above is quite significant. Treatment for mental illness can change the course of the disease, even if the cause IS hereditary. No matter if you have family members with the same genetic variation that causes a mental health disorder, treatment can make a huge difference in the trajectory of your own disease.

For some, therapy is the perfect option. The help to understand what you are feeling, and what contributes to it, and to find strategies to work through those feelings and experiences can be a substantial mechanism to effective treatment.

For others, mental health treatment may require medication under supervision from a psychiatric provider.

For many individuals, treatment looks like some combination of therapy and medication, optimized by and supervised by highly trained professionals. That’s where Brightside Health comes in. 

To learn more or to get help with symptoms you may experience, start with a free assessment today.

The post Is Mental Illness Hereditary? 5 Things To Consider appeared first on Brightside.

We want to share some thoughts on the effects of mental illness on family members, and on how to get help for family members with mental illness. And most of all, we want you to know that you are not alone. 

Before we dig in, please remember that if you, your friend, or your family member are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s vital to get help immediately. You can do that by taking advantage of the resources at the bottom of this page, or simply by dialing 988. Please also remember that Brightside Health is here to help you or your loved one with their mental health, and getting started is easy with our free assessment.

How to get help for a family member with mental illness

When someone we love is hurting, our first impulse is to try to help. And that’s good news for those struggling with a mental health condition. But it can sometimes be hard to know where to begin to help a family member with mental illness. Here are three immediate steps you can take if you are in this position.

Step 1: Recognize the problem

You know your family member better than anyone. Whether you are concerned about your child, a sibling, a spouse or partner, or perhaps a mentally ill parent, you may be in the perfect position to recognize a problem as it emerges. 

Watch for changes in behavior. Perhaps your loved one seems less interested in things that were important to them. Maybe they are displaying a withdrawal from social interactions, or a loss of interest in physical intimacy. All of these may be signs of depression or another mental health condition.

You may also want to watch for other signs of depression, such as

• Sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, or tearfulness
• Outbursts of anger, irritability, or frustration
• Anger or irritability over minor occurrences
• Insomnia, over-sleeping, or other sleep disturbances
• Prolonged tiredness and lack of energy such that small tasks require a lot of effort
• Loss of appetite which may lead to weight loss
• Increased appetite or cravings which may lead to weight gain
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fixation on past failures or self-blame
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
• Frequent or repeated thoughts of death or suicide
• Suicidal actions
• Unexplained physical ailments such as headaches or back pain

Step 2: Start the conversation

But watching for signs is only part of the solution. You also need to be ready to start the conversation about what you are seeing, and how your loved one is feeling. Dealing with mentally ill family members means being willing to have hard conversations. Psychiatry.org suggests

“Start by expressing your concern, as well as your readiness to listen and be there for the person. Don’t be afraid to talk about it. Reassure them that you care about them and are there for them. Use “I” statements. For example, try “I am worried about you…,” or “I’d like you to consider talking to a counselor….” Avoid statements like “You are….” or “You need to,” or “You should….”’

Remember, you don’t have to have all of the answers, this step is about identifying a problem and offering support. 

Step 3: Seek professional help

The next step is to seek help from a mental health professional. As we said above, if you are supporting a friend or family member in crisis, then you may need to seek emergency help. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to start with their primary care physician, and ask for a referral (if needed). Another great way to get professional help is through Brightside, where your family member can talk to someone from their own home. 

Step 4: Educate yourself

Once your family member has a diagnosis and a treatment plan, you will want to learn as much as you can about their condition. You may be able to help in more ways than you expect by understanding more about what they are dealing with, what medications they may be prescribed, or how their treatment plan is projected to operate.

Effects of mental illness on family members

For obvious reasons, research often focuses on people with mental health disorders, and not on the ways that those illnesses may impact their family members and caregivers. When a family member is sick, families tend to scramble to provide support and help and to try to “solve” the mental health problem. And as a result, family members are sometimes left struggling with feelings of their own. 

The American Psychological Association explains, “It’s not abnormal to feel ashamed, or hurt, or embarrassed by a family member whose behaviors can be difficult to understand and deal with. Many people also feel anger at the circumstances and even at the person who has been diagnosed. And though it may not be logical, parents often engage in some degree of self-blame. Such feelings of shame and anger may also go hand-in-hand with feelings of guilt. Grief is also common.”

Many people dealing with a family member with a mental illness find it very helpful to find a support group of their own. The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Family Support Group may be a great place to start.If you have a family member with a mental illness, get help today at Brightside.

Want to speak 1:1 with an expert about your anxiety & depression?

Start with a free assessment

The post Dealing With a Family Member With Mental Illness appeared first on Brightside.

It is no secret that students of all ages face stressors and anxieties that often go unchecked and unaddressed, but it has become increasingly clear over the past few years that poor mental health is becoming endemic. According to the American Psychological Association “By nearly every metric, student mental health is worsening. During the 2020–2021 school year, more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.”

With a potential crisis on the horizon, we wanted to look specifically at why mental health is important for college students, and what can be done to address the mental health issues that they face.

If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern, Brightside can help. Start with our free assessment today! If you are having a mental health crisis, or are having thoughts of self-harm, please utilize the resources at the bottom of this page, or simply dial 988.

Why are students at a mental health risk?

Stress and anxiety seem like a standard part of the college experience. From the time we are in high school, we are often told how important college is for our futures. We hear that exceptional grades are crucial to our future career goals. So often, the stress begins even before we arrive at class on the first day. 

Students also may be facing an array of additional challenges that might include

• Living away from home for the first time
• Roommates
• Social pressures
• Peer pressure

The American Psychological Association explains that at present, “college students today are also juggling a dizzying array of challenges, from coursework, relationships, and adjustment to campus life to economic strain, social injustice, mass violence, and various forms of loss related to COVID-19.”

Add to this the fact that the timing of college coincides with a key age for brain development for young people. Boston University’s Sarah K Lipson says “College is a key developmental time; the age of onset for lifetime mental health problems also directly coincides with traditional college years—75 percent of lifetime mental health problems will onset by age 24,”

All of this means that, even before the pandemic era, colleges and universities were under pressure to provide mental health services. And they often fell short due to a lack of counseling center resources, or a lack of understanding of the mounting problem.

What can be done to help?

There is a drastic need for intervention in terms of the mental health of students. Here are a few ways we can all help (students included). 

Mental Health Awareness

One of the most powerful ways to combat a mental health crisis is through awareness. Students and educators need to know what they should watch for and be aware of. In particular, it may be useful to look for signs of an anxiety disorder. These may include

• Excessive worry 
• Unable to control panic
• Restlessness
• Easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating or overthinking
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep difficulties

Since depression is a frequently reported mental health concern for students, it’s a good idea to look for signs of depression such as

• Having little interest or pleasure in doing things
• Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
• Feeling tired or having little energy
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Feeling bad about yourself or feeling like a failure
• Trouble concentrating on things
• Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed, or being fidgety/restless
• Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself

Awareness of mental health also extends to battling the stigmas about those who experience mental health disorders. The University of Utah reminds us that 

“The ambient feeling of guilt around mental health issues can cause those suffering to avoid seeking professional help or even seeking comfort and understanding from their peers and loved ones. Shame or guilt around depression or any other mental health condition is as outdated as thinking you are weak or flawed for needing to wear glasses.” 

Increased Resources for Mental Health for Students

Colleges and universities are already increasing resources to help this crisis, but those efforts can certainly increase. Counseling centers are vital for student mental health, but even so, As American Public Media reports, “Colleges are struggling to meet the surging demand for mental health services on campus, and some schools are wrestling with how much care they owe students.”

Also vital are more subtle resources like mental health days off from school. Excused absences for mental health days are important for students, as they promote rest and self-care. 

In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has publically taken the stance that “Taking a sick day to manage one’s mental health shouldn’t be rare — it should be encouraged, without fear of stigma or discrimination. NAMI supports school policies that include both physical and mental health concerns as acceptable reasons for school absence, allowing students to better take care of all their health needs.”

And finally, students need access to professional mental health care, which may extend beyond the services that counseling centers can provide. Whether it’s the inclusion of mental health benefits in student health insurance, or the contracting of mental health professionals directly, there is certainly room to improve the mental health outcomes for students.

Brightside Health therapy and psychiatry remotely, helping students over the age of 18 get the help they need from the privacy of home.

To see if Brightside is right for you, start with a free assessment today!

The post Why Mental Health is Important for Students appeared first on Brightside.

What Is PMDD & How Does It Impact Mental Health?

Have you heard of PMDD?

A majority of women experience at least some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

But for millions of women, the symptoms don’t stop there. It’s estimated that between 3 and 8% of women of childbearing age— millions worldwide— experience a range of mood and mental health symptoms related to their periods that may be signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Because PMDD is a mental health condition, and because not recognizing the signs or symptoms and seeking treatment can have a dramatic impact on your life, we wanted to take a moment and explore this complex and disruptive condition.

What Is PMDD?

PMDD is a premenstrual condition that combines the physical symptoms of PMS with emotional symptoms that can be severe. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Both PMDD and PMS may cause bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and changes in sleep and eating habits. In PMDD, however, at least one of these emotional and behavioral symptoms stands out:

• Sadness or hopelessness
• Anxiety or tension
• Extreme moodiness
• Marked irritability or anger

Per DSM-V-TR, in addition, one or more of the following must also be present for a diagnosis of PMDD:

1. Decreased interest in usual activities (e.g., work, school, friends, hobbies).
2. Subjective difficulty in concentration.
3. Lethargy, easy fatigability, or marked lack of energy.
4. Marked change in appetite; overeating; or specific food cravings. 5. Hypersomnia or insomnia.
5. A sense of being overwhelmed or out of control.
6. Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating,” or weight gain.

It is believed that PMDD is caused by changes in the serotonin and hormonal levels in a person’s body at the time leading to menstruation. As the Cleveland Clinic explains:

“Decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones after ovulation and before menstruation may trigger symptoms. Serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood, hunger, and sleep, may also play a role. Serotonin levels, like hormone levels, change throughout your menstrual cycle.”

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found evidence that PMDD may be genetic. Girls whose mothers have a history of severe premenstrual symptoms are more likely to have PMDD.

As we explained above, PMDD can be incredibly disruptive, and identifying the signs and symptoms is key.

If you think you may be experiencing PMDD learn about how Brightside Health can help.

Want to speak 1:1 with an expert about your anxiety & depression?

Start with a free assessment

Symptoms of PMDD

PMS and PMDD share a number of symptoms. This can make it a little tricky to determine if you are experiencing PMS vs PMDD. To help make the distinction, let’s review the common symptoms of both.

PMS symptoms include:

• Swollen or tender breasts
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Headache or muscle aches
• Clumsiness
• Lower tolerance for noise or light
• Irritability
• Feeling tired
• Sleeping problems
• Appetite changes
• Trouble with concentration or memory
• Tension or anxiety
• Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells
• Mood swings
• Reduced interest in sex

PMDD may also include severe feelings of anxiety which might involve:

• Anger or irritability
• Feelings of sadness or despair, or thoughts of suicide
• Panic attacks
• Loss of interest in usual activities and relationships
• Feeling out of control

PMDD symptoms include the symptoms mentioned above, and may also include:

• Difficulty in controlling the feelings of worry, often without control in shifting from one topic to another
• General restlessness
• Fatigue or the feeling of being easily tired
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Muscle aches or soreness
• Feelings of panic, dread, or ‘impending doom’

As the Mayo Clinic puts it, “In both PMDD and PMS, symptoms usually begin seven to 10 days before your period starts and continue for the first few days of your period.” The key difference between PMS and PMDD is the presence of the specific emotional symptoms listed above.

PMDD is treatable

The good news is that PMDD is treatable. PMDD treatment will often involve both therapy and medication (such as an SSRI antidepressant that can help balance the serotonin levels in your body).

That said, therapy isn’t going to make PMDD or its symptoms go away. Instead, therapy would focus on how to manage symptoms to reduce functional impairment and impact. For example, therapy might help individuals use urge surfing or mindfulness techniques when irritability or mood swings are notably activated.

Therapy can also be helpful for tracking purposes. As you gain more knowledge of the rhythm of your cycles over time, you gain a better understanding of the initial symptoms that are the cues to greater symptom presentation/elevation in the coming days. That can be helpful for organizing daily decision-making opportunities.

Perhaps you can plan around when you feel most capable of managing symptoms. You may be able to work with close people in your life, like a partner, to get extra support with tasks or other household duties, because it may be more challenging to do them yourself during that time.

Therapy may also be helpful for having those discussions with your partner or close others in your life so that they know that it is a time for extra interpersonal empathy and sensitivity relative to the rest of the month.

Mental health impact of PMDD

While not every woman will experience PMDD, You may be more prone to PMDD if you have:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Family history of PMDD, or mood disorders

And, like any disruptive mood disorder, PMDD has the potential to make existing depression or anxiety worse. Depending on the severity and duration of symptoms, those with PMDD may experience suicidal thoughts.

If you do experience symptoms, it’s very important to get treatment. Untreated PMDD can lead to depression and affect your life, relationships, and career.

Brightside is able to help you manage your PMDD. With a range of treatment options that include therapy right in your own home. If your symptoms are impacting your daily life, Brightside’s providers may recommend medication to treat your PMDD.

Want to speak 1:1 with an expert about your anxiety & depression?

Start with a free assessment

The post What is PMDD? appeared first on Brightside.

For us at Brightside Health, the prevention of suicide isn’t a monthly conversation or tied to a specific day. It’s something that we work on every day. And it’s a mission we take very seriously. So before we dig too much deeper, here’s a quick but vital reminder:

Brightside Health can help treat severe mental health symptoms, including suicidal ideation (general thoughts about ending your life). If you have a plan, intend to harm yourself, or are in crisis, please call 988.

If you are not in immediate crisis but would like to see how we can help, start with a free assessment.

There is a good reason that we feel strongly about the relationship between suicide and mental health. Here are a few key statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health:

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
• ​Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
• 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.
• 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals.

In other words, suicide is a major problem, and it’s tightly linked to overall mental health. Most importantly, there is often something that can be done to help people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. It starts by talking about it. Here are 5 facts to get us started:

Talking about suicide does not cause suicide

It might seem as though avoiding talking about suicide is a good idea: What if we put the idea of suicide into someone’s head? The thing is, many studies show that that’s not how it works. 

According to a study at the University of Nevada, “asking someone if they are having thoughts of killing themselves is actually more likely to save a life. In addition, most people who are thinking about suicide are at least somewhat ambivalent about it, and research also shows that almost all deaths by suicide are preceded by warning signs of some sort.” This indicates that it’s something we should talk about a lot more frequently.

When someone is having suicidal thoughts, it can feel very isolating. It may even feel as though they are all alone. This means that it’s a good time to remind them that they are not.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone

Speaking of not being alone, anyone can have suicidal thoughts. They can be scary and unsettling, but they are not uncommon. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Health suggests that: 

• About 5% of all adults 
• Over 11% of those between 18-25
• Nearly 20% of high school students
• 45% of LGBTQI youth

 have serious thoughts of suicide each year.

When you consider why most people experience suicidal thoughts, those numbers come into focus. Many people who consider suicide want to escape some sort of pain or problem they have experienced. 

This might be physical, emotional, social, or another type of pain. In many cases, the individual doesn’t want to end their LIFE, they only wish to end the pain they are in. This sometimes becomes the root of a suicidal crisis because they may not see a way out of problems they are facing.

It can be easy to forget that there are other ways to manage intense pain when you are hurting. Know that there are other ways to handle that pain and continue to live. Many suicide prevention programs center on finding and beginning to address the source of pain. This starts with reaching out for help at 988. 

There are signs to look out for

For friends and family members, there are signs to watch for that suggest that someone is at risk of a suicidal crisis and in need of urgent help. These include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to take one’s own life
• Giving away treasured possessions
• Writing goodbye letters
• Talking about feelings of despair and hopelessness
• Preparing for death in some way, like by giving away or selling personal items 
• Self-isolation from family, friends, and other loved ones
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in daily activities or things one used to enjoy
• Changes in appetite and eating patterns
• Over or undersleeping
• Changes in appearance such as not brushing one’s hair, teeth, etc.
• Increased or new usage of alcohol and drugs
• Becoming more impulsive
• Talking about feeling trapped or in pain
• Self-harm
• The creation of a suicide plan

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of signs of suicidal ideation, it is time to have an honest talk about suicide and seek professional help.   

Treatment is available, and it works

In the midst of a crisis, anyone in the U.S. can call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). This can mobilize emergency responders to help quickly. There is substantial evidence that therapy and other mental health treatment is very successful in helping those that are experiencing suicidal thoughts; in helping to relieve the pain that underlies the thoughts themselves.

Additionally, creating a safe and supportive environment is important. Professionals can help with this. Creating a safe, supportive environment allows you time and space between a suicidal thought and the ability to act on that urge or thought in a dangerous way. Safety planning is a strategy that can help keep people safe in the moment and includes a number of strategies and resources for individuals to use. You can start to create a safety plan and share it with yourself or others here. 

There are a lot of stories of hope and recovery 

We think the most important thing to know about suicide is that there are many stories of recovery and unlimited reasons for hope. In fact, one study from Harvard found that 90% of those who survive a suicide attempt at some point in their lives do NOT ultimately die by suicide. In fact, in this study, over 70% never made another attempt.

For those looking for hope, there are dozens of incredible stories posted on the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website. These survivors share their inspiring stories and many have a common theme: talking about suicide can help. 

Brightside Health can help treat severe mental health symptoms, including suicidal ideation (general thoughts about ending your life). If you have a plan, intend to harm yourself, or are in crisis, please call 988.

If you are not in an immediate crisis and would like to see how we can help, start with a free assessment.

The post Suicide Prevention & Mental Health: 5 Key Facts appeared first on Brightside.

To help, we’ve created this guide. We’ll look at what bipolar disorder is and how a mental health practitioner distinguishes between bipolar I vs bipolar II.

Before we get too much further, it’s important to remind you that only a licensed mental health care provider can accurately diagnose people with bipolar disorder or any other mental health condition. While our guide can give you some helpful information, you will need to see a licensed professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Start with a free assessment

It’s also incredibly important to remind you that if you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder that are causing emotional distress or if you are thinking about hurting yourself, please make use of the resources listed below.

What is bipolar disorder?

Generally speaking, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition associated with extreme mood swings. Those with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania (elevated moods and emotional highs), and depressive episodes (emotional lows and depressed moods).

The Mayo Clinic describes these swings:

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy, or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.

Some people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder may experience these swings only occasionally, while others may experience mood swings multiple times a year. 

Manic symptoms can include:

• Decreased need for sleep
• Feeling jumpy or wired
• Feeling unusually important or powerful
• Feeling like you can do multiple things at once
• Irritability 
• Loss of appetite
• Poor judgment or taking unnecessary risks
• Racing thoughts
• Talking fast about many different things

Symptoms of bipolar depressive episodes can include:

• Difficulty concentrating 
• Eating more than usual
• Fatigue
• Feeling bad about yourself 
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or helpless
• Little interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Restlessness 
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Suicidal thoughts or ideas of self-harm

There are three major types of bipolar disorder and a few other types that are harder to categorize.

Types of bipolar disorder

When an individual is first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, their mental health practitioner will identify the type of disorder the individual is experiencing. It’s not uncommon to think of this identification as being a differentiation between bipolar I vs II, though there are other forms as well.

Bipolar I

Bipolar I disorder is a condition in which an individual has experienced at least one manic episode and one major depressive episode. 

Bipolar I is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as “manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.”

Of the three major types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I tends to be the most severe with full-blown manic episodes that last at least a week. It is not uncommon for these manic episodes to require hospitalization.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II disorder features the same major depressive episodes as bipolar I, but without manic episodes. Instead, those with bipolar II will experience hypomanic episodes which are shorter and less disruptive than the manic episodes described above. It’s not quite correct to think of the distinction between bipolar I vs II as “which is worse” as both disorders can disrupt your quality of life.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorders over an extended period of years or more may be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder. This is particularly true if:

• The depressive episodes are not severe enough to be classified as “major depressive episodes”
• There are persistent mood shifts over a period of two years
• The episode shifts last for months at a time

Cyclothymic disorder is sometimes thought of as milder than bipolar I or 2, but can still be disruptive for those who experience it as the episodes tend to last much longer.

Other types of bipolar disorders

There are also unspecified bipolar-related disorders where the symptoms aren’t quite clear enough to land in one of the above categories. These may include conditions in which the mania or depression is due to another medical condition, or related to drug or alcohol use. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorders, no matter the type, are generally considered to be lifelong conditions. Even so, treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe and disruptive forms. 

A treatment plan for bipolar disorder generally includes a combination of therapy and medication. Medication for bipolar disorders might include mood stabilizers and second-generation antipsychotic medication. 

If you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it’s important to see a mental health provider right away. At Brightside Health, we can help. 

Start with a free assessment

Resources: 

If you are in emotional distress or thinking about hurting yourself in any way please make use of these resources:

• Visit: If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department
• Text: The Crisis Text Line provides 24-hour free and confidential help. Text ‘HOME’ to 741-741 to connect with a counselor immediately
• Call: You can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline simply by dialing 988 to talk with a live counselor 24 hours per day

The post What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II? appeared first on Brightside.

Whether you experience anxiety or have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you may be wondering: Is it possible to have multiple anxiety disorders?

Yes, it is possible. We’ll explore multiple anxiety disorders later in this post, but first, let’s talk about what anxiety is and isn’t. 

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless, or experience a rapid heartbeat. It’s important to know that anxiety is a natural reaction to stress—if it is temporary.

As the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states:

We all experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause.

If your anxiety doesn’t go away, or gets worse, then you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. According to Cleveland Clinic, an anxiety disorder happens when:

• Anxiety interferes with your ability to function.
• You often overreact when something triggers your emotions.
• You feel you can’t control your responses to situations.

Other symptoms of anxiety disorders include those mentioned in our blog:

• Excessive worry 
• Unable to control panic
• Restlessness
• Easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating or overthinking
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep difficulties

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is possible you might have an anxiety disorder. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional so you can get the support you need and the care you deserve. 

Types of anxiety disorders

There are 6 types of anxiety disorders, all with their own distinct symptoms. 

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder involves symptoms that include chronic worrying that makes it hard to focus or complete everyday tasks. This can be exhausting and lead to physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. 

Panic disorder

With panic disorder, a person may experience panic attacks without warning and sudden feelings of terror. They might feel dizzy or short of breath. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. 

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety is more than being shy. Individuals with social anxiety disorder may have serious fears about social interaction because they worry about being humiliated. They may also have panic attacks with forced interactions. 

Phobias such as agoraphobia or specific phobias

While we all might avoid situations or things that make us uncomfortable, people with phobia(s) often work especially hard to avoid their sources of fear. Whether it’s open or crowded spaces (agoraphobia), spiders (arachnophobia), heights (acrophobia), enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), or another phobia, individuals with phobia may have a strong reaction of fear when they’re in a situation, or even when they anticipate being in the situation, that involves their trigger.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder can affect children, and occasionally teenagers and adults. It involves excessive worry and distress about being away from loved ones or away from home. There may be physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Mayo Clinic says, “Separation anxiety disorder may be associated with panic disorder and panic attacks—repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes.” 

Selective mutism

Selective mutism typically begins in children under five and involves an inability to talk or communicate in certain situations. With selective mutism, a person may be able to speak easily at home and not be able to at school. 

Multiple anxiety disorders: diagnosis and treatment

As you may have noticed above, there are some overlapping symptoms between these anxiety disorders—such as physical aches and panic attacks. Besides these overlapping symptoms, it is possible for a person to have distinct symptoms of multiple co-occurring anxiety disorders. 

If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, know that you’re not alone. There is support available that can help you get back to feeling like you again. A mental health practitioner can provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis based on your symptoms, concerns, and history. They will consider whether you may be experiencing one or multiple mental health conditions and help you with a personalized treatment plan.

Though it’s not an anxiety disorder, it’s quite common for people with anxiety to also experience depression—nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety. One research study found that “Patients with multiple anxiety disorders had a much higher rate of depression than did those with only one anxiety disorder: 88 percent compared with 56 percent, respectively.” 

Fortunately, the treatment approach remains the same regardless of the number of conditions as therapy, medication, or both in combination are the gold standard approach for these concerns.

Treatment for multiple anxiety disorders

Whether you are experiencing one anxiety disorder or multiple co-occurring disorders, treatments generally work on the same principles to help you feel better. Within 12 weeks, 86% of Brightside members feel better and 71% achieve remission of their symptoms altogether. 

For psychiatric services, your psychiatric provider will recommend the right medication for you using our PrecisionRx technology. By analyzing data points, we can determine the most effective treatment tailored to your needs. Your medication can be delivered to you monthly, or picked up at a local pharmacy.

For therapy, your therapist will work with you 1:1. We offer evidence-based therapy with virtual therapy sessions, interactive lessons with practice and reflection, and tools to help you track your progress. If you have an anxiety disorder or multiple anxiety disorders, your treatment may include:

• Coping skills: Your therapist can help you learn and practice coping skills to relieve your symptoms. These may include breathing, reframing, and mindfulness techniques.
• Exposure with response prevention: This can help you approach rather than avoid sources of anxiety, with skills in your toolkit that help you cope and build distress tolerance. Over time, avoiding sources of anxiety can often make symptoms worse, so using coping skills while you engage in the stressful situation until the anxiety dissipates will help you to learn to manage the anxiety connected to the situation. 

If you’d like to talk with a mental health professional to get support for anxiety or another concern, get started with a free assessment today. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours.

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