How to deal with bipolar disorder

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), over one million South Africans may be suffering from bipolar disorder.

This means that about two percent of the population are possibly affected by this illness that causes severe mood swings, ranging from depressed moods, loss of interest in normal activities, loss of energy, inability to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts to extremely elevated moods, feeling invincible, decreased need for sleep and racing thoughts and speech.

According to psychiatrist Dr Leigh Janet, patients and people around them “need to learn more about this illness and start recognising patterns of behaviour and mood change”.

Sadag advises families and friends of those suffering with bipolar disorder to do the following:

•  Learn about the illness, its causes, treatments, and symptoms. Know the difference between a manic and depressive episode and what their warning signs are.
•  Encourage your loved one to stick to his or her treatment plan, and help him or her avoid alcohol and drugs.
•  If your loved one becomes ill with a mood episode and suddenly thinks that you are interfering, remember that this is not a rejection of you, it is the illness talking.
•  Know the warning signs of suicide. Take any threats as serious.
•  When he or she is recovering from an episode, allow him or her to adjust back to life at his or her own pace.
•  Once recovered, treat him or her normally, but be alert for tell-tale symptoms for a relapse.

Details: South African Depression and Anxiety Group 011 234 4837, toll-free line 080 070 8090, SMS service 31393.