Self-esteem. What is it? Self-esteem is defined as a person’s belief in their own worth or value. How one sees and values themselves is an important part of functioning and when it is negative, can lead to unhealthy behavior and outcomes.

The role of a counselor is largely variable depending on setting and specialty. Broadly defined, counselors assist individuals, groups, couples, and families in managing mental health related issues.

What is bipolar disorder? The Mayo Clinic defines bipolar disorder as a mental health disorder that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows.

“I feel anxious.” A commonly used phrase that can have many different meanings, anxiety is often labeled as the root of many problems. Anxiety is often used as another name for worry or apprehension, but “normal worrying” is different than a mental health disorder. The clinical name for anxiety is Generalized Anxiety Disorder and certain criteria must be met for this diagnosis to be given.

Depression has very different presentations depending on the person and circumstance. The Mayo Clinic defines depression as a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.