Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

Today, more and more people are finding the courage and strength to heal and grow from the difficult experiences of their lives. It is safe to say that every single one of us has experienced at least one trauma over the course of our lifetime.

Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder, formerly referred to as manic depression. It can be characterized by extreme mood swings of emotional highs (mania/hypomania) and lows (depression). A mood swing episode can occur only rarely for some, while others may experience an episode multiple times per year. Symptoms may cause unpredictable changes in behavior and mood, often resulting in significant distress and difficulty in daily life.

Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

    Similar to depression, anxiety is a term used as a catch-all for many different forms of mental distress. Experiencing occasional anxiety is a regular part of life, but those with an anxiety disorder often experience intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.

Read Part 1 here: (https://www.integrativemediowa.com/blog/mental-health-common-forms-of-mental-distress-part-1)

Let me start by saying that I tend to stay away from diagnosis, judgement and labels as much as possible in my practice. I see it more like a continuum of health that can range from a person flourishing, to low grade mental distress like low mood or mild anxiety, all the way to severe distress such as suicidal ideation.

There is no denying the amount of suffering present every single day for millions of beautiful souls on this earth. It can be seen almost anywhere. It makes no difference your age, gender, race, political party or tax bracket. The boundaries are very much blurred when it comes to our current understanding of mental health.