To gain a better understanding of the language used in the mental health system as well as common use, we are including a description of psychiatric "diagnoses" and "symptoms." Some individuals who have been diagnosed prefer to call the difficult period they went through "severe emotional distress" rather than being labeled with a psychiatric diagnosis. Most people have had some of these "symptoms" at some time in their lives. We don't call these problems a psychiatric illness unless a person's ability to function socially or occupationally has been impacted to a significant degree and for a minimal duration of time (usually at least a month to half a year). They are no longer able to adequately function in their accustomed social (eg. parent, friend, recreational activities, and hobbies) or occupational roles due to their illness and symptoms. Some people experience these problems for a relatively short period of time, perhaps a little more or less than a year, while others experience the problems for a longer duration of time.

Anxiety and depression are common psychiatric problems. People with Major Depression have periods of depression lasting weeks to months ("symptoms" can include sad mood, decreased interest in life and activities, suicidal thinking, low energy, poor concentration, hopelessness, crying spells, etc.). Those with Bipolar Disorder have periods of depression as well as days to weeks of "mania" in which their mood is elevated or irritable; they need very little sleep, speech that is rapid and difficult to interrupt, and engage in multiple activities and risky behavior that can get them in trouble. These symptoms occur clustered together, and when the person is not in the midst of a manic episode, they do not experience these symptoms all together in a severe form. For someone to receive a diagnosis of severe Bipolar Disorder, they must either have had psychotic symptoms, required psychiatric hospitalization, or have had their social or occupational life severely impacted in a negative way. Just because someone is often irritable or has problems with anger does not mean they have Bipolar Disorder. They may simply have a problem with anger. Common anxiety disorders are Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Anxiety "symptoms" include panic attacks (physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pressure/pain, fear of a heart attack.). Other anxiety "symptoms" include excessive and unreasonable worry, nervous tension, irritability, problems sleeping and avoidance of social contacts and interactions.

Psychotic diagnoses include Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Major Depression with Psychotic Features and other psychotic disorders. Individuals can receive these diagnoses because they sometimes hear voices (auditory hallucinations), have paranoid or grandiose delusions, emotional and social withdrawal, unusual/strange ideas or behavior, speech in which the thoughts expressed can be disconnected and difficult to follow.

Substance abuse/dependence is also considered a psychiatric illness. Individuals with a substance abuse or dependence problem use alcohol, street drugs, or overuse prescription medications (such as Xanax, Ativan, Vicodin and others) to an extent that it interferes with their ability to function socially or occupationally.

There is hope for all people with severe emotional distress, psychiatric diagnoses and substance abuse problems. Recovery is possible and help is available in many forms. There is peer support, spirituality, different forms of individual and group psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment and psychotropic medication, and other avenues of help. Everyone's pathway to recovery is unique. There are also aspects of the recovery journey that we share in common. We all need hope, people who support and believe in us, self determination and responsibility, and meaningful roles and goals in life.