Rosa Said:

Why do you believe you are capable of giving good mental health answers/advice?

We Answered:

I really don't consider myself an expert, so I don't really feel that I am giving advice, but rather sharing my own experiences in dealing with several mental illnesses. I only answer questions when I feel that in sharing my experiences, another person may benefit. I feel that only mental health professionals can give advice and offer treatment options that will benefit that individual.

Susan Said:

Friend taken to mental health need advice please?

We Answered:

whether or not you patch things up is ultimately your decision, not anyone elses. neither will have a negative effect so why not.

she will stay in the hospital till they believe that she is not a threat to her or others. she will probably be pretty emotionally distraught from going through so much at the mental hospital.

bipolar disease normally lasts their whole life. even when she leaves the hospital she will still have episodes of mania and depression.. they may be free of symptoms for a while after but it will normally come back. as for treatment for her their is no real cure yet but it can be effectively treated over a long period of time. combining psychotherapy with medication is normally their mode of treatment.

if you plan to patch things up you can:

Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement


Learn about bipolar disorder so you can understand what your friend is experiencing


Talk to your friend and listen carefully


Listen to feelings your friend expresses-be understanding about situations that may trigger bipolar symptoms


Invite your friend out for positive distractions, such as walks, outings, and other activities


Remind your friend that, with time and treatment, she can get better.

Never ignore comments about your friend harming herself. Always report such comments to her therapist or doctor.

if you have anymore questions feel free to e-mail me anytime

Glenn Said:

Why would any sane person take medical and/or mental health advice from someone on a YA message board?

We Answered:

I take friendship advice because I can't really ask anyone else, and perhaps they will see a side of it that I didn't. I usually do what I want to though.

Ray Said:

where can you get free mental health advice in Kansas City, Missouri?

We Answered:

Free is possible through one of two outlets.
If your employer has an EAP (employee assistance program), your son/daughter can get counseling services through them.
If you meet income requirements and such, you can get free mental health help (psychiatry, counseling, etc) through the Missouri Department of Mental Health. They contract to different agencies, depending on service area.

Start with http://www.swopehealth.org/
If they are not your closest agency, they can direct you to who is.

William Said:

how can I use this site to recieve quality mental health advice without outside ridacule?

We Answered:

unlikely

get help from a professional

http://www.mind.org.uk/

Bernice Said:

Where can I get good mental health advice online?

We Answered:

Nothing truly beats a proper consultation with your GP, but there are plenty of places online which provide information about mental health. Don't rely solely on online sources for advice about mental health, because the Internet contains lots of less reputable sources whose primary interest will not be your mental health.

However, charities such as the Mental Health Foundation (http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/welcome/) and Mind (http://www.mind.org.uk/index.htm) produce publications about various aspects of mental health to promote understanding.

There are plenty of independent sites, such as Mental Help (http://www.mentalhelp.net/).

Patient.co.uk (http://www.patient.co.uk/) has online pamphlets on all sorts of medical things, including several on mental health. NHS direct (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/) may also be able to help you.

I hope this helps.

Maureen Said:

A serious question here about the connection between God and mental health?

We Answered:

Wow, there were a few well thought out answers here. How the heck did that happen?

I'm not so sure God is the main excuse for not seeking treatment, just one more excuse, for those who'd rather not seek that kind of help in the first place.
I think there are three more prevalent reasons people won't seek psychological help.
1: There's still a societal stigma attached to any mental diagnosis.
2: Psychologists are often seen as untrustworthy due to the "diagnosis du jour" mentality. By that I mean the over-diagnosis of ADHD in the 90's and the over-diagnosis of Aspergers this decade.
3: 50 million Americans don't have health insurance, and can't go even if they wanted to.

It's too bad, I know from watching a friend who's bi-polar, that treatments can be effective.