Pandemic takes a toll on mental health

Life Mental Health, a provider of private mental health services in South Africa provided by the Life Healthcare Group, commemorated World Bipolar Day on March 30.

They raised awareness to inform those with the condition or to their loved ones that bipolar mood disorder is treatable.

The pandemic is said to have highlighted the importance of emotional and mental support for all persons, especially those diagnosed with a chronic mental health condition.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), bipolar mood disorder is a mental health condition that may involve episodes of serious mania and depression.

It reportedly affects over four million South Africans and about 45 million people globally.

The person’s mood is said to change from overly high and irritable to sad and hopeless and then back again, with periods of regular mood in between.

Sadag stated that the mental health condition often manifests during adolescence or early adulthood and may continue throughout life.

Dr Riyas Fadal, manager of National Clinical Products at Life Healthcare, said: “Bipolar mood disorder does not discriminate and can affect anyone and their relationships, work performance and daily routines. This is why it is crucial to be correctly diagnosed so that people can have better-quality lifestyles.”

The three most common types of bipolar mood disorders

• Bipolar I, which involves periods of severe mood episodes ranging from mania to depression.

• Bipolar II, which is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression.

• Cyclothymic disorder, which describes brief periods of hypomanic symptoms alternating with brief periods of depressive symptoms that are not as intense or as long-lasting as seen in full hypomanic episodes or full depressive episodes.

“A critical step ahead of considering treatment is to acknowledge and diagnose the condition and establish the family and the mental health care user’s immediate support structure to gain an understanding of the condition,” said Fadal.

How bipolar mood disorder is treated

Fadal stated that the type of bipolar mood disorder and the phase in which the mental health care user is will determine the choice of treatment required.

“It is also vital to educate loved ones on how to appropriately care for a person with bipolar mood disorder and have them attend counselling and support groups if needed. Life Mental Health’s multidisciplinary teams, including the psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist and social worker, assist in diagnosing and supporting the mental health care user through the journey,” she said.

She said stigma is a reality for people with mental health conditions which can hinder their ability to achieve wellness.

She also reiterated that community education and understanding of mental health conditions is key to helping mental health users better manage their conditions.

“Bipolar mood disorder may occur due to a physiological or chemical imbalance or dysfunction similar to diabetes and other common illnesses. With the correct treatment and support, those diagnosed with the condition can lead fulfilling and productive lives,” said Fadal.

“Bipolar mood disorder is not a reason to shun or treat a person differently. It is up to us as a society to provide support and a caring atmosphere so that people are comfortable with seeking out help, diagnosis and treatment.”