With the unemployment rate on the rise, stress levels among the youth and adults are skyrocketing. This impacts on people’s health and well-being.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has warned that such triggers might expose people to mental illness, including bipolar mood disorder which begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout one’s life.
Bongani Motlatsi from Diepkloof, Soweto, was diagnosed with bipolar last year and is now on treatment.
“While I was at school I started seeing and hearing things. People were quick to say I’m mad and my family took me to traditional healers,” he said.
Only when her sister came to Joburg and took Bongani from a traditional healer’s house to the hospital where he was diagnosed and placed on treatment.
“I’m not against traditional healers, there are things they can do, but in my situation I was told my ancestors this and that and I was locked up alone; people need to understand about this condition,” he said.
Bipolar mood disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that results in a dramatic shift in a person’s mood and behaviour.
While the exact trigger is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of biochemical, genetic and psychological factors.
It is estimated that the global prevalence of Bipolar Mood Disorder is between one and two-percent of a given population and has been said to be as high as five-percent in some areas.
During a manic episode, a person may feel unusually energized and may be more active than usual and conversely, during a depressive episode, a person may feel extremely sad, down, or hopeless.
They may be much less active than usual and have little or no interest in the things that would usually excite them.
According to the group, society often portrays mental illness patients as mentally unstable.
Said Johan Lombaard, Life Brackenview Clinic manager and social worker: “It’s important for parents and family members to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bipolar mood disorder.“When symptoms show up during a person’s adolescence or teenage years, it’s important to consider that they are already going through a lot of changes due to puberty and hormonal shifts.”)
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In other news – SAD: Hungry and sick Bonang’s cousin Pinkygirl ignored after ordering food
A food delivery company left a sour taste in Pinkygirl’s mouth. The popular DJ took to Twitter to voice out her frustrations after waiting for more than three hours to get her food. Pinkygirl slammed the company for their poor service.
“Ordered food via Mr delivery and I still haven’t received them…..it’s been 2hrs …..when I call them they don’t answer they hang up on me……what do I do …..I’m so angry” Tweeted Pinkygirl. Learn More
