What does Vincent van Gogh, Winston Churchill and grunge rocker Kurt Cobain all have in common?
They all suffered from the mental illness Bipolar Disorder. Currently about six million South Africans suffer from this disorder, which is between three and four per cent of the population. The illness is characterized by extreme mood swings and affects energy, behaviour and decision making.
Today is Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day and the following are some interesting facts about the illness:
• Bipolar Disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world
• Is not restricted to any social or education class, race, or nationality
• Was previously known as Manic-Depressive illness
• Often disrupts work, school, family, and social life
• Men and women are equally affected; however men tend to have more manic episodes while women experience more depressive episodes
• Is believed to be a combination of biochemical, genetic and psychological factors.
• Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can continue throughout life.
• It can also affect children, however diagnosis is difficult as many symptoms mimic emotions and other behaviours such as ADHD
• Bipolar Disorder in children significantly impairs functioning in school and at home with the family
• It is not always recognized as an illness, and people who have it may suffer needlessly for years or even decades
• Bipolar Disorder is treatable, and is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness.
The Record spoke to a local resident, who due to the stigma wants to stay anonymous, about how the illness affects him.
“I was diagnosed with the illness in 1994 when I was in a drug rehabilitation centre. Until today I am not certain whether my drug abuse brought on the mental disorder or whether my drug abuse was the result of the disorder. The latter is not uncommon as you will often find that sufferers abuse substances in order to self medicate,” he said.
“Although it differs from person to person, I would experience prolonged debilitating episodes of extreme depression, followed by episodes of extreme mania. What people misunderstand about mania is that you are not running around toting a gun and kicking down doors, but that it means you are hyperactive, have lots of energy, are prone to be delusional and can not concentrate,” he said.
“One of my biggest mistakes was that I kept going off my medication which would see the bouts of depression and mania get completely out of control. Due to this I ended up in psychiatric hospitals numerous times.
“If you do stick to a strict regiment of medication and follow the advice of professionals as well as making certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding coffee and alcohol and regularly exercising, you can have a fairly normal life.”
If you suspect you or a family member might suffer from Bipolar Disorder contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on 0800 70 80 90.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
