Bipolar is still a very taboo subject in society, especially amongst the African community, which is strange because more and more African people are being diagnosed. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings from mania to depression. The pattern of highs and lows varies for each person: For some people, episodes of mania or depression can last for weeks or months, while for others like Zah, mood swings are shorter and more frequent. Zah as she is affectionately known by her friends and loved ones, is a DUT Internal Audit graduate from Mtubatuba – Kwa-Zulu Natal. Her life made sense to her three years ago – 2014 - at the age of 28 when she was diagnosed with Bipolar. Zah always had a puzzling behaviour that even she couldn't explain. She was short tempered, would get angry very quickly, had extreme mood swings. One minute she was extremely happy and the next she was too sad or angry or even crying for a very small insignificant reason “I didn't know what was happening to me and people close to me were also confused and surprised. I was easily angered at work, very insecure. I would get a rush extreme energy than normal. When I got angry I would want to hit people or even go out to God knows where, in the middle of the night with no fear at all I felt like I had supernatural powers, like being a prophet and stuff. Uncontrollable racing thoughts and uncontrollable speech. Felt like spending most times in isolation and alone coz I felt misunderstood, which led to wanting more and more alcohol,” Zah says when she was happy she felt very generous. She would buy people gifts even if she couldn't afford them.
There was no need for a special occasion for her to be generous. Her symptoms included a flip between no sex drive to having random sexual desire with random people Her behavior confused her enough to consult Dr. Google, so by the time she consulted a local Dr she already knew what was wrong about her. For other people to be diagnosed with Bipolar would be the worse thing that could happen to them. But to Zah it was a relief. “ I was relieved course I felt like I wasn't a bad person, after all, I was just sick and needed to get help because for a long time I had believed I was. I felt relieved knowing that it wasn't a fault in my character but a sickness that was causing me to do all these things.” “After being diagnosed I got medication and take it every day. I have been able to cope because I have a supportive and understanding family and go to counseling twice a month. I understand there is no cure for bipolar disorder but with the correct medication, you can live a productive life. I educate people on social media about bipolar and its symptoms and I tell my friends Identify it: Signs you or your loved one might be Bipolar Mood: mood swings, sadness, elevated m o o d , a n g e r, a n x i e t y, a p a t h y, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities Behavioral: irritability, disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, crying, excess desire for sex, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, or self-harm Cognitive: unwanted thoughts, delusion, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or slowness in activity Psychological: depression, manic episode, agitated depression, or
49 | Aug-Sept ‘17 | www.beadsmag.co.za
paranoia Sleep: difficulty falling asleep or excess sleepiness Weight: weight gain or weight loss Also common: risky behavior, false belief of superiority, fatigue, or rapid and frenzied speaking Bipolar Mood Swings: Causes and Triggers Bipolar disorder is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance that alters a person's moods. This imbalance may be linked to irregular hormone production or a problem with chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that act as messengers to nerve cells. Because bipolar disorder tends to run in families, genetics are also thought to play a role; in fact, researchers believe that the chemical changes leading to the disorder result from a combination of genes and environmental influences. Some brain scans have revealed actual physical changes in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. The best way to prevent mood swings is to get treatment for bipolar disorder. But it's also possible to reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings by being aware of situations or events that can trigger them. "A number of triggers can set off or worsen bipolar episodes," says Michael First, MD, a professor of clinical psychiatry The most common triggers for bipolar mood swings are: Ÿ Stress from major life events, both positive and negative Ÿ Lack of sleep Ÿ Erratic schedules Ÿ Caffeine and alcohol Ÿ Certain medications, such as antidepressants and corticosteroids Ÿ Seasonal changes (for example, winter can worsen depression, while summer can increase the risk of
