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False beliefs about mental illness can cause significant problems. Learn what you can do about stigma.
By Mayo Clinic Staff :

Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that’s thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental health condition. You may even judge yourself.
Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:
Reluctance to seek help or treatment
Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others you know
Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing 
Bullying, physical violence or harassment
Health insurance that doesn’t adequately cover your mental illness treatment
The belief that you’ll never be able to succeed at certain challenges or that you can’t improve your situation
Steps to cope with stigma

Here are some ways you can deal with stigma:
Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.
Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn’t just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking psychological counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others with mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.
Don’t isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need. 
Don’t equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.” Instead of calling yourself “a schizophrenic,” say “I have schizophrenia.”
Join a support group. Some local and national groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offer local programs and Internet resources that help reduce stigma by educating people with mental illness, their families and the general public. Some state and federal agencies and programs, such as those that focus on vocational rehabilitation or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), offer support for people with mental health conditions.
Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental health condition is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. Talk to teachers, professors or administrators about the best approach and resources. If a teacher doesn’t know about a student’s disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.
Speak out against stigma. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the Internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.

Others’ judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on the facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.

Tips For Talking

Start a conversation about mental health when there is an open window of time to have an in-depth discussion, and neither you or the person you’re talking to will have to cut the conversation short to take care of other obligations. Plan to set aside at least 30 minutes to an hour.
If you aren’t sure how to bring up the topic of your mental health, here are a few ways to get started:

Start with a text if a face-to-face talk is too intimidating.  It could be a plain old text message with a note that says, “I have some important things on my mind and need to make time to talk to you about them.”

Find & share info. Find important information online that might help you explain what you’re going through. Print it and bring it with you when you’re ready to talk.

Take the Youth Screen at mhascreening.org. Print out your results to share with the person you plan to talk to.

Still Stumped About How To Get Started?
Use the letter below and fill in the blanks. Pick from the options we’ve listed or use your own words.
Dear _________,

For the past (day/week/month/year/__________), I have been feeling (unlike myself/sad/angry/anxious/ moody/agitated/lonely/hopeless/fearful/overwhelmed/ distracted/confused/stressed/empty/restless/unable to function or get out of bed/__________).

I have struggled with (changes in appetite/changes in weight/loss of interest in things I used to enjoy/ hearing things that were not there/seeing things that were not there/ feeling unsure if things are real or not real/ my brain playing tricks on me/ lack of energy/increased energy/ inability to concentrate/alcohol or drug use or abuse/self-harm/skipping meals/overeating/overwhelming focus on weight or appearance/feeling worthless/ uncontrollable  thoughts/guilt/paranoia/nightmares/ bullying/not sleeping enough/ sleeping too much/risky sexual behavior/overwhelming sadness/losing friends/unhealthy friendships/unexplained anger or rage/isolation/ feeling detached from my body/feeling out of control/ thoughts of self-harm/cutting/thoughts of suicide/plans of suicide/abuse/sexual assault/death of a loved one/__________).

Telling you this makes me feel (nervous/anxious/hopeful/embarrassed/ empowered/pro-active/mature/self-conscious/guilty/__________), but I’m telling you this because (I’m worried about myself/it is impacting my schoolwork/it is impacting my friendships/I am afraid/I don’t want to feel like this/I don’t know what to do/I don’t have anyone else to talk to about this/I trust you/__________).

I would like to (talk to a doctor or therapist/talk to a guidance counselor/talk to my teachers/talk about this later/create a plan to get better/talk about this more/find a support group/__________) and I need your help.
Sincerely,
(Your name__________)

What if someone talks to you about their mental health?

Listen. Let them finish their sentences and complete thoughts without interrupting. After they have finished you can respond.
Let them know if you understand. If someone has just spilled their guts and and you’ve gone through something similar—tell them. It helps a lot for someone to know they aren’t alone. Make sure you don’t switch the topic of conversation to your struggles though; focus on their needs.

Avoid being judgmental. Don’t tell them they are being weird or crazy; it’s not helpful at all.
Take them seriously. Try not to respond with statements that minimize how they are feeling or what they are going through, such as, “You’re just having a bad week,” or “I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Make yourself available to talk again if needed. While it can be a big relief for someone to share something they have been keeping secret, mental health struggles usually aren’t solved with one conversation.  Let the person who has spoken with you know that they can reach out to you again if they are having a tough time. It’s ok to let them know if there is a time of day or certain days of the week that you aren’t available.  For instance, “I’m here for you if you need to talk, but my parents don’t let me use the phone after 9 on school nights, so call before then.

Don’t turn what you’ve been told into gossip. If someone is talking to you about their mental health, it was probably tough for them to work up the nerve to say something in the first place and you shouldn’t share what they tell you with other students at school. Let them share on their own terms.

If you don’t understand, do some research and learn about what you’ve been told. Make sure that your information is coming from reliable sources like government agencies and health organizations.

Tell an adult if you have to. It’s important to have friends that trust you, but if a friend indicates they have thoughts or plans of hurting themself or another person, have been hearing voices or seeing things that no one else can hear or see, or have any other signs and symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored then you need to tell an adult what is going on. That doesn’t make you a bad friend; it just means that the problem requires more help than you can give. If someone you know is in crisis and needs help urgently, call 1-800-273-TALK(8255), text 741741, go to your local Emergency Room or call 911.

Now what?

If you’ve made the decision to talk to someone about your mental health, you may be nervous about how things will go and what could happen. Check out the list below to find out more about what you can expect.

Things might be a little awkward at first for both people in the conversation. For a lot of people, talking about anything related to their health or body can be kind of tough at first.
You’ll probably feel relieved. Being able to open up and share something you’ve been keeping to yourself for a long time can feel like a weight has been lifted. You might learn that the person you’re talking to has had some personal experience or knows someone in their family who has gone through something similar, which will help you to feel less alone.

You may encounter someone who doesn’t understand. While it’s likely that a person will know someone who has struggled with their mental health, they may not understand what it’s like- especially if they haven’t struggled themselves.
Expect to be asked questions. Some questions might include: How long has this been going on? Did something difficult happen before you started feeling this way? Can you describe what it’s like? You don’t have to answer every question that you’re asked if you don’t want. Remember that the person you’re talking to is probably asking questions to help them better understand what you’re going through.

It’s possible that you might not get the reaction you were hoping for. It can be discouraging if you work up the nerve to speak up and are then told, “you’ve just got the blues” “get over it”“stop being silly” or “you worry too much.” Sometimes this kind of reaction has to do with culture or expectations. Try to explain how it is really having an effect on your ability to live a healthy and happy life and you aren’t sure how to make things better.  If for some reason the person you chose to talk to still isn’t “getting it” someone else will. Think about someone else you could talk to that would give you the help you need. Don’t stop or go back to ignoring your situation or struggling alone.
The conversation is the first step in a process. Congratulations for getting the ball rolling.
If your first conversation isn’t with your parents, you’ll probably need to talk to them at some point. See the following page for tips and common concerns about talking to parents.

Your next step might be going to an appointment of some sort. It may start with someone at school like the guidance counselor or school psychologist, a visit to your regular family doctor or psychiatrist, or with another kind of treatment provider like a therapist or social worker. These professionals can help figure out what exactly is going on and how to start getting you the help you need. You might need to talk to more than one person to find someone who can be the most helpful.
It takes time to get better. You could be going through something situational, which can improve with time to process feelings (for example, grief after the death of a loved one or a tough break-up) or adjustments to your environment (like switching lockers to get away from someone who is a bully), or you could have a more long term mental health issue. Mental health issues are common and treatable; however, you may have to try a few different things to find right type of treatment or combination of strategies that works best for you.

Part 1 of 4
Testing for bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder go through intense emotional changes that are very different from their usual mood and behavior. These changes affect their lives on a day-to-day basis.

Testing for bipolar disorder isn’t as simple as taking a multiple choice test or sending blood to the lab. While bipolar disorder does show distinct symptoms, there is no single test to confirm the condition. Often, a combination of methods is used to make a diagnosis. 

Part 2 of 4
Medical tests
If you experience extreme shifts in mood that disrupt your daily routine, you should see your doctor. They will perform a physical exam and may also order lab tests, including blood and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms.

Sometimes, certain thyroid issues cause symptoms that are similar to those of bipolar disorder. Symptoms may also be a side effect of other medications. After other possible causes are ruled out, your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist.

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Part 3 of 4

Mental health evaluation
A psychiatrist or psychologist will ask questions to assess your overall mental health. Testing for bipolar disorder involves questions about symptoms, how long they’ve occurred, and how they may disrupt your life. The specialist will also ask you about certain risk factors for bipolar. This includes questions about family medical history and any history of drug abuse.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is known for its periods of both mania and depression. The diagnosis for bipolar requires at least one depressive and one manic or hypomanic episode. Your mental health specialist will ask about your thoughts and feelings during and after these episodes. They will want to know if you feel in control during the mania and how long the episodes last. They might ask your permission to ask friends and family about your behavior. Any diagnosis will take into account other aspects of your medical history and medications you have taken.

To be exact with a diagnosis, doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM provides a technical and detailed description of bipolar disorder. Here’s a breakdown of some of the terms and symptoms used to diagnose the condition.

Mania
The DSM defines mania as a “distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.” The episode must last at least a week. The mood must have at least three of the following symptoms:

high self-esteem
little need for sleep
increased rate of speech (talking fast)
flight of ideas
easily distracted
an increased interest in goals or activities
psychomotor agitation (pacing, hand wringing, etc.)
increased pursuit of activities with a high risk of danger

Depression
The DSM states that a major depressive episode must have at least four of the following symptoms. They should be new or suddenly worse, and must last for at least two weeks:

changes in appetite or weight, sleep, or psychomotor activity
decreased energy
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
thoughts of death or suicidal plans or attempts
Suicide preventionIf you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:
Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Stay with the person until help arrives.
Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.
If you think someone is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Sources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves one or more manic episodes or mixed (mania and depression) episodes and at least one major depressive episode. The episodes are not due to a medical condition or substance use.

Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder has one or more severe major depressive episodes with at least one hypomanic episode. There are no manic or mixed episodes. Hypomania is a lesser form of mania. It doesn’t disrupt your ability to function as much as bipolar I disorder. The symptoms must cause a lot of distress or problems at work, school, or with relationships. It’s common for those with bipolar II disorder to not remember their manic episodes.

Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is characterized by changing low-level depression along with periods of hypomania. The symptoms must be present for at least two years in adults or one year in children before a diagnosis can be made. Adults have symptom-free periods that last no longer than two months. Children and teens have symptom-free periods that last only about a month.

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder
This category is a severe form of bipolar disorder. It occurs when a person has at least four episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed states within a year. Rapid cycling affects more women than men.

Not otherwise specified (NOS)
This category is for bipolar symptoms that do not clearly fit into other types. NOS is diagnosed when multiple bipolar symptoms are present but not enough to meet the label for any of the other subtypes. This category can also include rapid mood changes that don’t last long enough to be true manic or depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder NOS includes multiple hypomanic episodes without a major depressive episode.

Part 4 of 4
Misdiagnosis
Bipolar disorder is most often misdiagnosed in its early stages, which is frequently during the teenage years. When it’s diagnosed as something else, symptoms of bipolar disorder can get worse. This usually occurs because the wrong treatment is provided. Other factors of a misdiagnosis are inconsistency in the timeline of episodes and behavior. Most people don’t seek treatment until they experience a depressive episode.

According to a 2006 study published in Psychiatry, around 69 percent of all cases are misdiagnosed. One-third of those are not being properly diagnosed for 10 years or more.

Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, an eating disorder, or a personality disorder. The condition shares many of the symptoms associated with other mental disorders. Some things that may help doctors in getting it right are a strong knowledge of family history, fast recurring episodes of depression, and a mood disorder questionnaire.

Have Agoraphobia but 4 me it is fear or not really 4 but hard 2 leave the house it is like I need 2 b. pushed out talked into it wen Rogi was young he would say come on Mom lets go here etc & then when I would give in he would actually say see mom after we were laughing having fun ec aren’t you glad U got out Mom boy we don’t think the kids know but they really do !!!!

Etiology

Agoraphobia can develop out of simple phobias or it can be a result of extreme trauma, although it is often a result of numerous panic attacks such as those found in panic disorder.agora

Symptoms

Agoraphobia, like other phobias, is made up of extreme anxiety and fear. Different from other phobias, however, is the generalization which occurs. Agoraphobia is the anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing or in which help may not be available should a panic attack develop. It can be sub diagnosed as either ‘with’ or ‘without’ panic disorder (see above). Typically situations that invoke anxiety are avoided and in extreme cases, the person may never or rarely leave their home.

Treatment

Treatment may involve anxiety reduction techniques aimed at increasing the control a person feels over his or her anxiety and fears. Other approaches require the individual to work through their anxiety in relation to interpersonal or childhood issues.

Prognosis

Prognosis is good, especially if the individual has some insight into the development of the disorder and if their fears are irrational and there is insight into this.

I am comfortable with myself
I enjoy being on my own
I love who I am
I am in touch with my true self
I enjoy the silence of my own mind
I am creative and clever when on my own
I am at peace when I’m alone
Being by myself opens me up to new ideas
I enjoy being immersed in my own thoughts
Being alone is rewarding for me

Future Tense Affirmations 
I will explore who I really am 
I will stop being afraid of being alone
I will stop needing a constant social current to pull me
I will understand that being alone isn’t the same as being lonely
I will learn new things about myself
I will appreciate myself for all that I am
I will take the time to understand myself
I am beginning to enjoy my own company
I will be encouraged by my inner strength
I will listen to my intuition

Natural Affirmations
I am naturally relaxed on my own
I always give myself the time and attention I deserve
I understand who I am through my own eyes
I have found myself through being alone
I am attuned to all of my personal needs and desires
I have learned to love who I am through introversion
I am discovering new things about myself every day
I see myself for the person I really am
I look forward to spending time alone
Only I can unlock my true happiness