Supporting those with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world and over one million South Africans suffer from this medical illness.

The condition requires treatment and support, something that many South Africans do not have access to.

Men and women are equally affected but men tend to have more manic episodes and women more depressive episodes.

Bipolar disorder expert, Dr Leigh Janet, said helping patients understand their diagnosis is key.

He said patients needed guidance and support in understanding what their diagnosis of bipolar disorder means and what medication they are taking and why.

“Bipolar patients, their loved ones and colleagues need to gain insight into this illness and start recognising patterns of behaviour and mood change,” said Janet.

Bipolar disorder (previously called manic depression) is a mental illness that causes sufferers to swing between depressed mood, loss of interest in normal activities, loss of energy, inability to concentrate, and suicidal thoughts and irritability, extremely elevated moods, feeling invincible, having an inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts and speech.

What can families and friends do to help?

Learn about the illness, its causes, treatments and symptoms. Know the difference between a manic and a depressive episode and what their warning signs are.

Encourage your loved one to stick to their treatment plan, including their medication and help them avoid alcohol and drug

If your loved one becomes ill with a mood episode and suddenly feels you are interfering, remember that this is not rejection of you, but 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 normally once they have recovered, but be alert for tell-tale symptoms for a relapse.