One person in 200 globally lives with an elusive condition that causes extremes of mood and impulsive behaviour that can even place the person’s life at risk.
“Often, the signs of bipolar mood disorder are overlooked for some time because family and friends simply think it is part of the individual’s personality to be full of energy and feeling on top of the world one day, and subdued or withdrawn, sad and depressed the next,” says Mahlatse Mothogoane, Netcare Akeso Polokwane’s Centre of Psychotherapy Excellence (COPE) manager.
These sudden shifts occur between two primary states. “During manic or hypomanic episodes, the person may show increased energy, impulsive behaviour, often including reckless spending sprees and racing thoughts. This is then followed by depressive episodes, where the individual loses interest in activities they usually enjoy. The person may have very little energy or appear tired, with a persistent low mood, and may experience either a reduced or increased appetite, while also experiencing feelings of worthlessness,” he says.
These are the most common symptoms, which may change over time, making it more difficult for the individual to recognise when they need help. Often, depressive episodes stand out more and are given greater prominence when treatment is sought.
“At times, bipolar mood disorder can overlap with other conditions, bearing some similarities to the symptoms of major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder or anxiety disorder, which would require a psychiatrist to observe the person over a prolonged period for an accurate diagnosis.”
Bipolar disorder can present itself at an early age, from as young as 15 years, depending on the person’s history and life experience, although most people are diagnosed in their early 20s to 30s. The World Health Organization estimates that 37 million people live with this mood disorder globally, although the true extent is often hidden by delayed identification or misdiagnosis.
“A major concern is that people are often only diagnosed when the impulsive, sometimes reckless, behaviours that are very much characteristic of unmanaged bipolar mood disorder lead them into harm or serious difficulties. Very often, first contact with professional mental health support occurs after the person ends up in the emergency department,” Mothogoane says.
Recently, the multidisciplinary Netcare Akeso Polokwane opened just 1.5km from Netcare Pholoso Hospital, an accredited Level II trauma centre, bringing the Netcare Group’s person-centred, evidence-based approach to private mental healthcare services closer to people living in Limpopo.
“Awareness of mental health conditions, such as bipolar mood disorder, and seeking professional help early can prevent a person from reaching a crisis point, including suicidality, and affecting their work life and relationships,” he says.
Reach for professional support if you notice the following signs in yourself or a loved one:
• Drastic changes in mood
• Loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities
• Periods with a lack of motivation in daily routines
• Increase in impulsive behaviour, such as spending money or taking unnecessary risks
• Drastic changes in appetite or sleeping patterns (either increased or reduced)
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness that persist for days or weeks
• Any suicidal thoughts or behaviours always require urgent professional help
To make an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist or occupational therapist, contact your nearest Netcare Akeso facility or download the Netcare app. In the event of a psychological crisis, call Netcare Akeso’s 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787, where experienced counsellors are available to listen and offer support options at any time of day or night.
“If you are concerned that a loved one may be affected by bipolar disorder, or any other potential mental health symptoms, it’s important to approach them with compassion, mentioning behaviours you have noticed that seem out of character. Offer support to get professional help and avoid using labels, as this can be hurtful and make the person more reluctant to seek treatment,” Mothogoane advises.
Bipolar disorder is usually a lifelong condition, but with proper medical management, therapy, and positive lifestyle choices, it is possible to build a stable and fulfilling life.
“Achieving long-term stability with medication requires commitment from the individual to take their medication consistently, as prescribed by their psychiatrist. Often, when people start feeling better, they mistakenly believe they no longer need their medication.
Mothogoane emphasises that it is crucial never to stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor. “Regular check-ups help the psychiatrist to adjust the dosage, if necessary, and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, manage side effects or detect signs of irregular mood early. This helps prevent the symptoms of bipolar disorder from returning and potentially spiralling out of control, with consequences such as reckless spending that may lead a person into serious debt,” he says.
He points out that therapy has also been proven to assist with bipolar disorder, as the diagnosis itself can be overwhelming to come to terms with. Psychotherapy enables the person to express and process life events that have contributed to the diagnosis, while dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) can help with acceptance, identifying thought patterns and moods, regulating emotions, and developing more effective ways of managing daily life.
“With a therapist, it’s possible to identify behavioural patterns that may be counterproductive to recovery. It is also helpful for establishing a supportive network for both the person and their family, as well as implementing coping strategies. The role of the family or partner cannot be underestimated in supporting the person’s long term safe management of bipolar mood disorder. You can regain control over your life and successfully manage this condition with the right framework in place.”
