Bipolar disorder: a painful rollercoaster journey

This year’s theme for Bipolar Awareness calls attention to the importance of addressing health symptoms early and identifying the best treatment.

According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), 2 –5 per cent of South Africans suffer from bipolar disorder.

“When we think about cancer, heart disease or diabetes, we don’t wait years to treat them,” said Cassey Chambers, director of SADAG, “Like other diseases, mental health conditions should be treated long before they reach a critical point.”

Bipolar disorder is a multi-factorial chronic disease and requires long-term medication as a result. It is characterized by extreme shifts in moods, energy and functioning.

Dr Antoinette Miric, a psychiatrist from Akeso specialist psychiatric clinics said there are two types of bipolar: I and II, and is distinguished by the severity of the highs and the duration of the episodes.

“Bipolar I is diagnosed when an individual has had at least one manic episode which lasted one week or required hospitalization and may have had depressive episodes. Bipolar II is diagnosed after a patient has had a hypomanic episode and has depressive episodes.”

She added that during a manic episode, an individual has an elevated mood, rapid speech, lack of sleep, racing thoughts and continuous high energy. Dealing with this illness is not an easy feat for the patient or family members and friend, and knowledge of the illness leads to acceptance.

“Support and understanding can prevent a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering for all concerned,” said Chambers.

What can family and friends do to help?

• 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 ones to stick to their treatment plan including their medication and help them avoid alcohol and drugs.

• If your loved ones becomes ill with a mood episode and suddenly feels you’re 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 real and serious.

• When they are recovering from an episode, allow them to adjust back to life at their own pace – avoid expecting too much or too little from them.

• Treat them as normal as possible once they have recovered, but be alert for tell-tale symptoms for a recurrence or relapse.

Details: Akeso Clinics 011 447 0268 or SADAG 011 24 4837.