Worldwide, the month of May has been dedicated to better understanding mental illnesses, with a specific focus on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

While different, both share common traits, which make them difficult to diagnose.

Abdurahmaan Kenny, Mental Health Portfolio Manager for Pharma Dynamics explains:

“People with bipolar disorder tend to experience episodes of extreme mood swings -emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression) – with periods of stability in between. Similar to schizophrenia, some bipolar patients also experience psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions.”

“Symptoms of mania can involve irritability, difficulty sleeping, excessive energy or restlessness, high self-esteem, expansive mood, increased engagement in pleasurable activities, such as sexual activity or drug use, racing thoughts and reckless behaviour.

“Depressive symptoms are characterised by either sadness or hopelessness that persists for two weeks or longer, but it can also cause a significant loss of interest in pleasure in daily activities. Other common symptoms include changes in appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, anxiety, low self-esteem, psychosis (losing touch with reality), including suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Kenny explains that while there are some overlapping symptoms, a schizophrenia diagnosis looks for some distinct differences in behaviour, particularly relating to psychosis.

“Schizophrenia affects a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours. These include delusions (false beliefs, like being famous or that they’re being stalked or that something terrible has happened to them), hallucinations (hearing, seeing, smelling or tasting things that aren’t there), disorganised thinking and speech, unusual behaviour (acting childlike, assuming strange postures), inability to function normally, psychosis and depression, which often leads to substance abuse.”

The likelihood of having bipolar disorder or schizophrenia can vary depending on a person’s family history, biochemical and/or psychological makeup.

Having a family member with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia doesn’t mean that someone will definitely have the same diagnosis, but the odds of having either condition increase when a parent or sibling has it.

Both conditions require lifelong treatment.

Bipolar disorder is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications, which can include mood stabilisers, anti-depressants and antipsychotics.

Schizophrenia is treated with antipsychotic medication, which helps to balance chemicals in the brain.

Other strategies that can help people with bipolar disorder include:

• avoiding alcohol and drugs
• eating healthily
• exercising regularly
• getting enough sleep
• managing stress
• seeking help and support from family, friends, and others

• Other strategies that can help people with bipolar disorder include:
• avoiding alcohol and drug use
• joining a support group
• learning about schizophrenia
• maintaining certain lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and following a sleep schedule
• managing stress through strategies such as meditation, exercise, and yoga
• seeking help from family and friends

Kenny says living with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can be difficult, but with proper treatment, along with support and self-care, sufferers can lead fulfilling lives.

He urges the public to do their bit on World Schizophrenia Day (24 May) and World Bipolar Day (30 May) to break the stigma and raise awareness, whether it’s learning more about these disorders, posting about it on social media, hosting an awareness event or talking to family and friends about it.