What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes severe mood swings, from manic highs to deep depressions.
It’s a chronic illness that can flare up from time to time causing your colleagues, friends and loved ones to misunderstand you. They might think you’re seeking attention, when you’re actually not. This is why understanding the disorder is important.
It’s an illness that requires support and treatment – something many South Africans sadly lack.
But here’s the good news:
Bipolar is a treatable disorder
That’s right – bipolar is 100% treatable. But avoiding treatment can increase the patient’s risk of suicide.
The key is not to ignore how you’re feeling.
Being bipolar is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness, and there are very effective treatments available.
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Facts you must know about bipolar disorder
Here are some interesting facts on bipolar disorder that you might’ve not known about…
• Bipolar disorder affects up to 3- 4% of the population in South Africa.
• Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world.
• Bipolar disorder isn’t restricted to any social or education class, race, or nationality.
• Bipolar disorder used to be called Manic-Depressive illness.
• Bipolar disorder is a physical illness marked by extreme changes in mood, energy, thinking and behaviour.
• Bipolar Disorder 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.
• Famous people in the past, like Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton, Abraham Lincoln, Vincent Van Gogh and others were all bipolar sufferers.
• Bipolar disorder is a combination of biochemical, genetic and psychological factors.
• Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can continue throughout life.
• Bipolar disorder 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.
Need help with your bipolar? Look no further
The South African
Depression and
Anxiety Group (SADAG) has launched a toll-free (0800 70 80 90) as well as linked SMS service (32312) to enable callers, even from isolated and rural areas, to call SADAG for information, advice and counselling.
The line is open weekdays from 8am to 8pm.
If you have any questions on the disorder at all, they’d love to provide you with the answers you need.
Whether you’re bipolar or not, it’s important you’re educated on this disorder. I hope what you’ve just read has helped!
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