Big Changes at The Balanced Mind Foundation! A message from our Executive Director
The Balanced Mind Foundation launched its pioneering www.thebalancedmind.org in 1999 when childhood bipolar illness awareness was in its infancy. Since then, scientific research from the past decade has fundamentally changed the understanding of bipolar disorder in children.
Our own research reveals that many children experience a number of “working labels” and there are often co-morbid conditions that cloud the picture. This makes a single condition name for the organization - like “bipolar” – limiting for families who seek support and answers for their children.
Due to these factors, The Balanced Mind Foundation’s board of directors voted to expand our mission from a single condition to include all mood disorders: bipolar disorder, depression and a proposed new DSM-V diagnosis for children which will attempt to capture children who are currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but do not meet full criteria.
It became apparent that we needed an updated The Balanced Mind Foundation brand to reflect these changes without losing focus on our current membership. We conducted a survey of The Balanced Mind Foundation families with over 800 responses and four focus groups in New York and Chicago. There was strong consensus around the labels, “balance” “mind” and “resource or foundation.” Families did not want a medical sounding name, which they found to be stigmatizing. They also wanted to know that “we are you” and that people who walk in their shoes run the organization.
Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the The Balanced Mind Foundation will become the Balanced Mind Foundation (see attached picture for the logo).
The Balanced Mind Foundation envisions a world where children living with mood disorders thrive because their families have the resources, community and support they need. You will be getting an official email soon, but I wanted you to be among the first to know. Please watch for our communications from The Balanced Mind Foundation and set your spam filter to allow emails from thebalancedmind.org.
The Balanced Mind Foundation…Bringing Hope Home.
Sincerely,
Susan Resko
Executive Director
LOL - I used to think CABF should stand for Child and Adolescent BRAIN Foundation. That would cover it! But, too broad, obviously. I used to wish NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) was actually NABI -- (change Mental to Brain). :-)
--"Naomi"
ItsNotMental
Older dd: formerly (?) teen-onset bipolar (morphed into ultradian cycling): After over 13 years - stable off psych meds over a year. Now fine on just diet changes and higher thyroid levels after healing - addressing gut issues/Candidal overgrowth while using EMPowerPlus and other supplements.
Younger dd: formerly (?) Childhood-onset schizoaffective, TS, OCD, anxiety, PTSD, migraines. After over 15 years, is "recovered" for almost 5 years after treating endocrine issues, food sensitivities, gut issues, sleep issues, nutritional/mitochondrial needs.