Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly. People with bipolar experience high and low moods—known as mania and depression—which differ from the typical ups-and-downs most people experience.

The average age-of-onset is about 25, but it can occur in the teens, or more uncommonly, in childhood. The condition affects men and women equally, with about 2.6% of the U.S. population diagnosed with bipolar disorder and nearly 83% of cases classified as severe.

If left untreated, bipolar disorder usually worsens. However, with a good treatment plan including psychotherapy, medications, a healthy lifestyle, a regular schedule and early identification of symptoms, many people live well with the condition.

Workshops on Mental Illness and the Church

Hosted by Yorba Linda Friends and the Christian Medical and Dental Associations’ Psychiatry Section.

Friends Church Yorba Linda represents the Friends denomination, which has a legacy of social action and history of mental health advocacy, healing and reducing the stigma of mental illness. The CMDA is a nationwide organization of over 19,000 Christian health care professionals and students, providing resources, relationships, education and public advocacy. The psychiatry section has been in existence since the early 1960’s.

Presentations address conditions in Adults and Children and include Question and Answer sessions.  Conditions to be discussed include Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder (BPD), Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and others.  Presentations are provided here as they are available.