Smart kids doing stupid things: It’s the teen brain paradox. Extraordinarily quick to learn and rapidly reaching fluency in abstract thought, teens still make bonehead decisions, perhaps more so when routines relax in summer. But that’s because they’re operating with brains that are still a work in progress.

About

"Flipswitch: For Teens & 20s" was made possible by a generous grant from The Rodwell Dart Memorial Foundation. Flipswitch was previously named depressedteens.com. Flipswitch's purpose is to provide valuable information and educational resources that will help teenagers, their parents and educators understand the signs and symptoms of teenage depression and get help when needed.

History of CABF's Teen Programs

Parents and legal guardians generally have the right — as long as they are not acting irresponsibly — to give consent for their minor child's medical treatment. In some cases, preteen and teen children are asked or required to give their "assent" to medical treatment. This is a lesser standard than informed consent; it indicates simply that they have been told about the treatment and agree to it.  "Informed consent" is a legal term referring to the right of individuals to make medical decisions only after full disclosure of relevant information.

 "Bp kids have Special Angels"
by John S., age 9

I think that God is very kind
even though there is bipolar
that really messes up our minds
and makes us cry, rage and holler.

But, there is a group of many a mom.
Every one of them has a bp kid
Whom they help to lose the storms and find the calm.
For of bp they would like to the world to rid.

Flipswitch: The Bipolar and Depression Connection is a 30-minute downloadable audio series that deals with issues teens and young adults face when they have a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder or depression. 

Flipswitch, The Bipolar and Depression Connection has got your ‘back to school’ covered! 

The latest episode, to be released this Monday, focuses on mental health awareness on campus. Tune in for our interview with Active Minds founder, Alison Malmon. With over 200 chapters nationwide, Active Minds utilizes the student voice to change the conversation about mental health on college campuses. Through campus-wide events and national programs, Active Minds aims to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and create a comfortable environment for an open conversation about mental health issues on campuses throughout North America.

What Mother's Day and Father's Day Means to Me
by Camden, Age 9

I don't have a wheelchair that automatically tells people who look at me that I was born with problems that limit me, but there are lots of things that happen inside my brain that they can not see. I have a brain that doesn't always work the way it's supposed to. Sometimes it gets stuck and I have a hard time showing my thoughts and feelings the right way.

• When  a Child has a Mental Illness
• Depressed Teens Sustain Gains From Long Term Treatment
• Mental Health Parity Rules Delayed Until January 2010

Flipswitch: The Bipolar and Depression Connection is a 15-minute downloadable audio series that deals with issues teens and young adults face when they have a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder or depression. 

Big things are happening on Flipswitch! Our show is getting shorter (15 minutes), and will be posted twice as frequently. In addition,  “Mood Disorders In the News” is getting it’s own stand alone show to help keep you informed about the latest current events surrounding mood disorders!

Early in 2009, The Norman Lear Center contacted CABF on behalf of the CW network. The teen hit, 90210 planned to weave bipolar disorder into several upcoming episodes. As Erin Silver headed into crisis, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the network knew that the confusion and helplessness of Erin, her parents, and peers would resonate with the teens at home. Many viewers would have questions and be in need of help. CABF’s teen site, www.depressedteens.com/, was the CW network’s website of choice to send teens to for more information and support.

Are you in need of something to listen to this summer? Have you been wondering about the realities of mood disorders? Have you been looking for information on bipolar disorder that is easy to access and available 24 hours a day? Well look no further!  CABF has got you covered with Flipswitch!