BY NYARADZO CHITUNGO
March 30 marks World Bipolar Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of bipolar disorder.
This year’s observance runs under the theme #BipolarStrong, with the black and white striped ribbon symbolising the disorder’s contrasting emotional states.
The day also coincides with the anniversary of Vincent Van Gogh’s death, the Dutch painter who struggled with severe mental health episodes and was only recognised as one of history’s great artists after his death.
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), bipolar disorder formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy, activity and thought patterns. Health experts say it is characterised by manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. An estimated 1 in 200 people, or about 37 million worldwide, live with the condition.
Causes
The exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unknown. According to WHO, a combination of biological factors such as genetics, along with psychological, social and structural influences, can affect how the condition develops. Stress, substance use or major life changes can trigger episodes, but they do not cause the disorder on its own.
Bipolar can be classified into three types :
Bipolar I involves the individual having manic episodes and severely impacts the individual’s daily life. Bipolar II, which is usually less disruptive in manic phases, often leads to significant depression. And lastly Cyclothymic disorder, which is milder ignites persistent mood swings over two years or more.
Misconceptions and myths
Sometimes when the human mind fails to decipher some ‘strange’ occurrences, credit is naturally attributed to forces beyond natural. It goes without saying that in some, if not most African communities, bipolar disorder is usually associated with elements of witchcraft or ‘mamhepo.’ This mostly flawed perception leads to families of the individual consulting spiritual practitioners (who often prescribe unorthodox healing methods) rather than professional psychological and psychiatric services.
Additionally in our African culture, the idea of seeking counselling to an outsider may be revolting thus individuals suffering from bipolar fight silent battles and forfeit their right to useful guidance and counselling resources.
According to Mental Health First Aid, the presumption that moodiness indicates bipolar disorder is incorrect. “Changes and fluctuations in a person’s mood do not necessarily indicate bipolar disorder, and it’s harmful to describe someone as “acting bipolar” if they are experiencing times of happiness and sadness in quick succession. It is not unusual for people to experience mood swings on a weekly or even daily basis, and using blanket terms to describe a person’s mood changes only adds stigma to those who are living with bipolar disorder,” the organisation notes.
Treatment options
Although bipolar disorder cannot be cured treatments can help manage it. Mood stabilizers such as lithium and valproate help with the highs and lows. Antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants may also be used depending on a person’s symptoms and the type of episode that they are experiencing.
Where to get help
The Friendship Bench programme provides free counseling under the supervision of psychiatrists and is available in over 70 clinics across the country, it is the most accessible first point of contact.
For specialist care, the country’s three tertiary psychiatric hospitals, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo and Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital in Masvingo treat Bipolar disorder. The Ministry of Health and Child Care can also be reached for help.
Bipolar disorder is not a weaknesses nor is it a life sentence of chaos, but it is a condition that calls for understanding, patience and compassion.
Awareness therefore awards the chance to normalise conversations about mental health, educate communities and reduce discrimination. Recognizing early signs of bipolar disorder can save lives and improve outcomes.
With unwavering support we can help those with bipolar disorder live without shame and with dignity. In the end, understanding bipolar is not just about mental health but the story of humanity.
