National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)

The NCTE focuses on transgender equality across the United States. They offer statistics, information on human rights, and more.

Visit at: https://transequality.org/

Gender SPectrum

Gender Spectrum offers resources for transgender individuals, family members, and educators. Their goal is to help people learn and connect through gender inclusive environments.

Visit at: https://www.genderspectrum.org/

GLADD

GLADD has been a top resource for LGBTQIA+ individuals for over 30 years. They aim to spark cultural change and create a world open to love and acceptance. 

Visit at: https://www.glaad.org/

Trans Youth Equality Foundation 

The Trans Youth Equality Foundation offers education and advocacy for transgender youth and their families. In addition, they host events and have books to further teach individuals.

Visit at: http://www.transyouthequality.org/

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project provides direct help for transgender and other LGBTQIA+ individuals who are struggling. Both call and text options are available 24/7 for those in need. The Trevor Project also offers learning resources and other support. 

Visit at: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three types of bipolar disorder, which include:

• Bipolar I Disorder: defined by severe manic episodes lasting at least seven days, as well as depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks
• Bipolar II Disorder: defined by pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but not manic episodes as severe as with Bipolar I
• Cyclothymic Disorder: defined by periods of depressive and hypomanic symptoms lasting for at least two years, however, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode

SYMPTOMS

People having a manic episode may:

• Feel jumpy
• Have decreased need for sleep
• Talk fast
• Think they can do many things at once
• Engage in risky activities
• Feel “up” or related
• Feel irritable
• Experience a loss of appetite

People having a depressive episode may:

• Feel slowed down
• Have trouble sleeping or be sleeping too much
• Be forgetful
• Talk slowly
• Have trouble concentrating
• Feel sad, “down,” or empty
• Have little or no interest in activities that are normally enjoyable
• Feel hopeless or worthless

Treatment

Treatment can often provide individuals relief from symptoms. Plans may vary but commonly include a combination of:

• Psychotherapy
  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy) helps reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder for many. This type of therapy aims to help individuals identify and change negative emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

• Medication
  • Some medications may help decrease the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Many people work with their health care provider to try a few medications before deciding which is best for them. 
  • The medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, second-generation antipsychotics, and antidepressants. In addition, medications used for sleep or to decrease anxiety may be prescribed.

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

• To learn more about bipolar disorder, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
• To read more about World Bipolar Day, as well as the disorder, the following resources are suggested:
  • ISDB: https://www.isbd.org/world-bipolar-day
  • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder
  • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Con

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) brings focus to one’s thought pattern, feelings, and behaviors. During this type of therapy, a therapist works to help uncover unhealthy patterns of thought. After these problems are addressed, the individual and therapist can work together to build more constructive of ways thinking and feeling. 

Studies have found CBT to be effective in the treatment of many mental health disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and more.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is similar to CBT but in addition emphasizes validation and accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than struggling with them. Allowing individuals to come to terms with their troubling thoughts or emotions can help them work towards recovery. Overtime with DBT, individuals will learn essential coping strategies. 

DBT has been proven effective by many studies showing significant and long-lasting improvements to mental illness symptoms. It is used to treat many types of mental illnesses, but is most commonly used to treat patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on identifying anxiety triggers and learning techniques to cope with them. By having a person confront their triggers in a controlled environment, they can practice managing their anxiety. 

Exposure therapy is most commonly used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving one’s interpersonal skills and relationships. This therapy helps individuals recognize negative patterns within their social interactions, and helps them learn strategies to interact positively with others.

Although interpersonal therapy is most often used to treat depression, it has also been found to be effective in the treatment of various other mental illnesses.

Learn More

To learn more about types of psychotherapy, we recommend speaking with your health care provider and reading the following resources:

NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Psychotherapy

NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies

Create an Analogy

By creating an analogy for mental health, you can help your child better understand. Many parents choose to use analogies related to medical problems, such as asthma. By relating to a physical health problem, you can help your child understand that mental health can also be taken care of with treatment, medication, or other support.

Let them Know it’s Not Their Fault

Many children may see their mental health condition as their fault or a downfall to their personality. These feelings are often reinforced due to stigma. Help your child understand that mental health conditions are common, and that they don’t define who you are.

Listen and Validate

Children often feel ashamed or nervous to talk about their feelings of worry, fear, sadness, compulsion, and more. Create open communication by empathizing and listening with curiosity. In addition, it may be helpful to tell your child about other people with similar troubles. It can be beneficial for your child to see that others live with mental health conditions, and successfully manage them. 

Have Frequent Conversations

Symptoms of mental health conditions may fluctuate over time, but it is important to still keep open communication. By having frequent conversations about mental health, you are creating a safe space for your child to confide in you. This can help you provide the support they need and ensure they receive any necessary treatment.

Let them Ask Questions

Children will likely have many questions about their mental health. By being open to any questions they may have, you are further creating a safe space. If you do not know an answer to a question your child asks, it is okay. Let them know you will find out the answer together with the help of their health care provider.

Discuss Prevention and Self-Care

Talk to your child about how they can prevent or diminish symptoms, and also practice self-care. Teaching your child about the importance of sleep, exercise, nutrition, and more, can all be beneficial to their health.

Speak With Their Health Care Provider

Your child’s health care provider can help create a treatment plan that is right for them. As much as you can support your child as a parent, it is important to discuss any concerns you may have with their provider. 

Learn More

To learn more about talking to your child about their mental health we recommend speaking with their healthcare provider.

To read more, the following resources are suggested:

NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids/Finding-Mental-Health-Care-for-Your-Child

NAMI “Little Monster” Activity Book: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids/NAMI_Meet-Little-Monster_ENG.pdf

Mental Health Gov.: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers

SYmptoms

After a traumatic event, many people will feel short term responses. However, if symptoms persist for longer than a month, they may lead to a diagnosis of PTSD. Symptoms may vary but commonly include:

• Arousal and Reactive Symptoms
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge
  • Easily startled
  • Engaging in reckless behavior
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Outbursts of anger
• Avoidance Symptoms 
  • Avoiding certain places, people, or things that remind one of the experience
  • Avoiding thoughts and/or feelings about the traumatic event
• Re-experiencing Symptoms
  • Recurring, distressing memories or dreams related to the event
  • Flashbacks, which may include physical symptoms
  • Distressing thoughts
• Cognitive and Mood Symptoms
  • Trouble remembering the features of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty feeling both positive and negative emotions
  • Feelings of guilt and/or blame
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world

Treatment

Treatment plans vary, but the most common types of treatment used for PTSD include the following: 

• Medication
  • Antidepressants are commonly used to treat PTSD. They can help provide relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Anti-anxiety medications can help relieve serve anxiety. Many of these medications are habit forming, so they are typically only used short term.
  • Other medications may also be used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder.
• Psychotherapy
  • Psychotherapy can include one-on-one sessions or group sessions.
  • Therapy can provide a support network, education, and guidance to those struggling with PTSD.
  •  Commonly used types of psychotherapy used to treat PTSD include:
    • Cognitive therapy
    • Exposure therapy

Crisis Help

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:

• Call 911
• Go to the nearest emergency room
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

RESOURCES

• To learn more about PTSD, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
• To read more about PTSD, the following resources are suggested:
  • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
  • NAMI: https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder