Video: What is Depression? What is Bipolar Disorder?

by Anita Mclean on January 19, 2014

While mood fluctuations in life are normal for all of us, if mood disturbances persist and start to affect our functioning in non-productive ways, we may meet the the criteria for the diagnosis of a mood disorder.

There are two kinds of mood disorders: Depressive Disorders that are also called Unipolar Mood Disorders and Bipolar Mood Disorders.

Depression, in all of its variations, represents one set of conditions in which a disturbance of mood is a primary feature. However, just a sad or low mood without other indicators may not indicate the presence of a depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder, in all of its variations, represents an entirely different set of conditions in which a disturbance of mood is a primary feature. Again, just ups and downs in mood without other indicators may not indicate the presence of a bipolar disorder.

To learn more, watch this video clip recorded on December 16, 2013 for the TV show FOCUS ON in Princeton, NJ.

Tips for Parents of Teens

by Anita Mclean on February 13, 2014

Communication between parents and teens is complicated and yet, essential for the negotiation of this important developmental life stage. But parenting an adolescent can sometimes be a challenge -a roller coaster of emotional reactivity coupled with the never ending crises of fast approaching and nearly missed deadlines of academic work, college applications, and other potential achievements. This coupled with the emotional highs and lows of highly complex teenage social interactions, romantic forays, questions of identity and the meaning of life can make for a roller coaster ride that beats most amusement parks. During all this, parents are also worrying about the dizzying array of potential risks their teens are facing ( of addictive and harmful substances, sexual activities, gambling options, unsafe behaviors, emotional decompensation, and academic failure). Staying connected to your teen and keeping lines of communication is the antidote to distress and essential for reaping the benefits of the considerable change this period of life offers. This brochure offers some tips that can help parents empathize with their teen and develop a constructive, open, supportive and communicative relationship.

Download the Brochure: Tips for Parents of Teens

Tips for immigrant parents of bicultural teens

by Anita Mclean on February 13, 2014

Bringing up children in America can be challenging for multiple reasons and the teenage years are particularly complicated. How do we understand the changes that our children begin to exhibit and how do we ensure that they envelop the cultural values that we treasure and are successful academically and professionally. This brochure offers some tips and suggestions to help immigrant parents develop more effective communication with their teenage children, reduce possible conflicts and help the children become effective in the American culture while retaining the values of their cultural heritage.

Download the Brochure: Tips for immigrant parents of bicultural teens