Bipolar Monster and Your Child - Screening for Mental Illness in Teens

Screening for Mental Illness in Teens

January 4, 2007

There has been a lot of misinformation shared around the country about Mental Health Screening and the TeenScreen program since the release of President Bush’s New Freedom Commission report in 2003 that recognized the Columbia University TeenScreen program as a model program. Recently the New England Journal of Medicine published an article on Mental Health Screening that discusses the merits of mental health screening.

The Columbia University TeenScreen Program is a national mental health and suicide risk screening program for youth. The goal of the National TeenScreen Program is to make voluntary mental health check-ups available for all American teens. TeenScreen works by assisting communities throughout the nation with developing locally operated and sustained screening programs for youth. Screening can take place in schools, doctors’ offices, clinics, youth groups, shelters, and other youth-serving organizations and settings.

The study in the New England Journal of Medicine is an examination of issues regarding teen mental health and suicide, written by Dr. Friedman. The article outlines a rationale for screening programs, gives a historical perspective, examines statistics, and offers the personal experiences of actual teens and their parents.

Read the full story from the New England Journal of Medicine. (opens in a new window)

This website is dedicated to parents with children who are struggling with emotional issues. Specifically, Bipolar Disorder, but could also include any type of mood disorder.

Bipolar Disorder is certainly a "monster" when it attempts to destroy a child, an adult, or a loved one through the confusion, the racing thoughts, the anger, the depression, the lack of judgement, and many more destructive ways.

Not only does this Bipolar Monster attempt to destroy the victim, but also all those around him or her. It destroys its "host's" relationships, education, employment... life.

Until we can figure out a way to tame it in our child or loved one, we can tame it through our own thoughts and actions.

We do not have to allow the Bipolar Monster to destroy us as we try to take care of our love one who carries this beast around with him or her.

We need to stay healthy and be sure not to be dragged in to the Monster's plans for destruction. The only way we can help our children through their dramatic mood swings and bad decisions, is to take care of ourselves first.

Do not let the Bipolar Monster drag you down!