Editor,

May was Mental Health Awareness Month. In 2010/2011 West Virginia spent a total of $13,530,000 just on substance abuse and a total of $44,682,597 on Mental Health. Of those totals only $300,000 was spent on homelessness.

As many as 1 in 3 persons may suffer from a mood disorder (mental illness) at some point in their life. Mood disorders range from mild depression to severe Schizophrenia. Persons with a mood disorder may experience Anxiety, Bipolar, and ADHD, PTSD or severe depression. The Person with a mood disorder is not the only one to suffer. Their family, friends and co workers also suffer. There is help.

If you think you are suffering from a mood disorder, you can go to www.DBSAlliance.org and take a quick quiz for bipolar or depression. Some of the signs and symptoms of depression are: prolonged sadness, worry, irritability, anger, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, restlessness, loss of energy, drug and alcohol abuse, inability to concentrate, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide.

Some of the warning signs of Bipolar mania are, high energy, less need for sleep, racing speech, exaggerated self-confidence, excessive irritability, grandiose delusions, reckless behavior-such as excessive spending, rash decisions and sexual indiscretions. These mood changes can be severe and last for a few days or even weeks. A person with bipolar can also change back and forth between the depression state and the manic state.

A person who feels they are having symptoms of bipolar disorder should seek help from mental health specialists, community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, clergy, family services, and peer support groups. Equally important is to be informed and be educated about the illness. For information on line go to www.DBSAlliance.org or call 304-472-1947 or email dianathompson222@hotmail.com.

Sincerely,

Diana Thompson

DBSA WV

Buckhannon