Information about mental health issues can be confusing. There are many diagnoses with similar symptoms. It takes a skilled professional to accurately diagnose. By law, only physicians are permitted to prescribe and monitor medications.

Some people still hold the stigma that associates mental health problems with being "crazy." When people take their medication, they control the mental illness, just as people control thyroid illness by taking medication.

One diagnosis is Bipolar disorder, which affects about 6 percent of the population. For information on this disorder, I recommend bestbipolar.com, the site of a woman who is learning to thrive despite this mental health diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder has two phases, extreme highs and extreme lows. Either can be mixed with delusions or hallucinations. Everyone has ups and downs. When the highs and lows interfere with daily life, it is time to seek help.

One article is about medications for Bipolar Disorder, which fall into major categories. Mood stabilizers are designed to combat mood swings. When they do not work, the doctor may try anticonvulsants. Another category is antidepressants, which work in conjunction with mood stabilizers. Psychotic episodes can dictate the need for antipsychotic medications.