And in fact, they can be downright dangerous!
Bipolar II, also known as manic depression, is a disorder characterized by mood swings from elevated or manic phases to depressed phases. Unlike its more severe form, bipolar I, bipolar II is not characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Frequently misdiagnosed and mistreated as suffering from depression alone or depression and ADHD (yup, that was me until I got the right doctor!), bipolar II sufferers often benefit more from the addition or substitution of mood stabilizers in their treatment regime.
In the past, antidepressants have ironically been associated with suicidal behaviors, but it …read more

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, women attempt suicide three times as often as do men. Do you know how to recognize suicidal behaviors in yourself, your friends, and your family?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified the following risk factors for suicide:

Previous suicide attempt(s)
History of mental disorders, particularly depression
History of alcohol and substance abuse
Family history of suicide
Family history of child maltreatment
Feelings of hopelessness
Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
Physical illness
Easy access to lethal methods
Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental …read more