If you are unfamiliar with a mental health/substance abuse related term I use in one of my posts, you’re in the right spot.  Here I will share the definitions of some of my commonly used terms:

Bipolar I – a spectrum disorder characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic or mixed episode and one or more depressive episode. (wikipedia)

Bipolar II – a spectrum disorder characterized by at least one hypo-manic episode.  More depressive episodes typically occur than in Bipolar type 1. (webmd)

Certified – involuntarily committing an individual into psychiatric hospitalization.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – a talking therapy that can help manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.  Commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. (UK NHS)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – a specific type of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy developed in the late 1980’s b psychologist Marsha M. Lineham to help better treat borderline personality disorder.  Has since been developed to also treat other mental health disorders. (PsychCentral)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – characterized by at least two weeks of low mood that is present across most situations.  Typically accompanied by low self-esteem, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, low energy, and/or pain without a clear cause. (wikipedia)

Hypo-Mania – a mood state characterized by persistent dis-inhibition and pervasive elevated (euphoric) mood with or without irritability.  Generally less severe than mania.

Mania – mental illness marked by periods of great excitement, euphoria, delusions, ad over activity.

Psychiatrist – a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental illness.

Stigma – a disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Substance Abuse – overindulgence in or dependence on an addictive  substance, especially alcohol or drugs.

Therapist – a professional who utilizes any of a variety of talk therapy schools of thought to help someone manage their mental health and other life stresses.

 

Please let me know if there are any terms I left out that you feel should have been included.  You can contact me by clicking on “Contact Me” or email me at dontstigmame@gmail.com