Give people with bipolar disorder hope

A pharmaceutical company and advocate for mental health is encouraging South Africans to help break down the social stigma that exist around bipolar disorder.

Pharma Dynamics, a leading provider of central nervous system medication in the country, is appealing to the public to speak out and share their stories.

Abdurahmaan Kenny, Mental Health Portfolio Manager for Pharma Dynamics says getting to know someone with bipolar disorder is one of the best ways to reduce the stigma.

“When you start to understand the disorder, it’s easier to relate to those living with the illness and how you can be of help.”

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), bipolar disorder affects up to 1% of the population in South Africa, a disorder that affects every aspect of your life.

“It impacts your relationships, work and social life, and even ordinary day-to-day activities. It can be crippling if not managed properly.

“The exact cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown, though research suggest that the disorder can be triggered by a combination of biological and environment factors, such as genetics or a traumatic life event.”

“No two people have the exact same symptoms, but there are three main types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar 1 often includes one or more manic episodes that last a week and, in many cases, require hospitalisation and may last for at least two weeks.
2. Bipolar 2 is characterised defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes condition (which you display a revved-up energy or activity level, mood or behaviour).
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia) – defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms, as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents).

“While it’s difficult to diagnose bipolar, since many other psychological conditions have similar symptoms, delaying a diagnosis can be dangerous and lead to suicide.

“Sufferers experience extreme ‘highs’ and ‘lows’, which disrupts normal day-to-day living. This is different from the ordinary mood changes we all experience from time to time.

“Bipolar is often described as manic depression given the sudden rush of physical and mental stimulation, racing speech and thoughts, increased sexual drive, reckless behaviour, heightened irritability and aggressive behaviour, while symptoms of depression range from intense sadness, emotional outbursts, changes in appetite and sleep, loss of energy, chronic fatigue, anxiety, inability to concentrate and recurring thoughts of suicide,” explains Kenny.

Many celebrities like singer-songwriter, Demi Lovato; Dwayne Johnson, aka, “The Rock” and Lady Gaga have publicly shared their challenges with mental health, which has helped to make the discussion more mainstream, but more needs to be done at community-level.

Here are five ways in which you can play your part in destigmatising bipolar:

1. Know the facts. Educate yourself and others about bipolar disorder to accurately address misinformation and negative comments.
2. Speak out. Talk about the importance of mental health and seeking help on social media.
3. Be empathetic toward sufferers and their caregivers.
4. Normalise mental health treatment. Just like we take medication for physical ailments, bipolar disorder needs to be treated with mood stabilising medication.
5. Watch your language. Be conscious of what you say and how you say it. Always talk about the disorder in a respectful and understanding tone to improve sensitivity to the disorder.

Kenny says grassroots-level activities and social campaigns can go a long way to reduce the shame and stigma often associated with mental health conditions, like bipolar.

“Nine in ten youth are researching mental health issues online and are accessing personal anecdotes from sufferers via blogs, podcasts and videos. The more people that are exposed to mental health messaging, the greater the chance of them receiving the help they need.

“Everyone can benefit from hearing, reading or watching other people’s experiences, which is why we are encouraging sufferers and those who live with or know someone with bipolar disorder to post their stories of hope to their respective social networks.

“Let’s show those living with bipolar disorder that they are not alone and that there is help and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” encourages Kenny.

For more info on bipolar disorder, visit www.letstalkmh.co.za or contact Pharma Dynamics’ toll-free helpline on 0800 205 026.