Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare

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What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

NIMH Bipolar disorder often develops in a person's late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25.¹ Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.

Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life.

Friends of Lakeside make it possible!

Lakeside had another successful Mental Illness Awareness (MIAW) Luncheon on October 7th, 2011. The MIAW Luncheon helps raise public awareness about mental health issues and Recovery. Thanks to all our sponsors and event supporters for making this year’s event possible.

This year’s event was held at the Downtown Sheraton with over 200 attendees. Our guest speaker, award winning author Margaret Hawkins, shared with us that we must never give up because recovery and healing are possible! Ms. Hawkins’ book, How We Got Barb Back, details this very personal and interesting journey to get her sister Barb back. We hope you enjoyed her as much as we did! Please accept our sincere appreciation and gratitude in helping us make this year’s event a success.

We've Come A Long Way

So you think we've come a long way in this country, with an African-American president, equal rights and laws that protect the minority?

Think again.

There is one segment of the population that few are looking out for or really understand or care about: the mentally ill.

Recently, I witnessed Orange County residents complaining about a couple of mentally ill people who were to move into a home in their neighborhood. This was misguided and uninformed bigotry toward people who just wanted to live in peace in the community. They wanted a home, to go to work and receive treatment for their brain disorders — just regular medical treatment and support from my agency. They didn’t want to be locked up or treated like freaks or forced to live in substandard group homes. They wanted to live like you and I.

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