There's a lot of confusion around Bipolar Disorder.
I don't know if you guys know this, but I have bipolar disorder. It's not something I like to talk about much, because people are often afraid of what they don't understand.
But I want to share my story, because it's mine and it's a part of me, and more importantly I want to share it because you guys are amazing and deserve the best possible care.
After years of suffering alone, I finally went out and found a mental health specialist who really clicked with me. Dr. Za-za is based in South Africa (she's originally from here) but she works with patients from all over the world through her online classes.
She has agreed to let us join her classes for free, as long as we all support each other on our journeys of healing.
One myth that was dispelled is that Bipolar Disorder is rare. In reality, it is one of the most common types of mental illnesses—affecting about 2% of the population (according to the National Institute of Mental Health).
Here is a transcribed interview I did with her:
Nicole Wilson: So, what do you do?
Dr. Za-za: I am Dr. Za-za, a mental health expert and community development consultant.
I have worked with some of the biggest companies and private clients from around South Africa, helping them achieve their goals and improve the quality of their lives.
I have also been invited to various TV and Radio Shows for my expert advice and knowledge around Mental Healthcare, especially Bipolar Disorder.
And thanks for having me here.
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Nicole Wilson: So, what is Bipolar in a few words?
Dr. Za-za: Bipolar Disorder is a complex condition in which people experience extremes in mood—from manic or hypomanic episodes to depressive episodes. These moods can last for days, weeks, or even months at a time and are usually accompanied by changes in activity levels. These changes may include impulsive behaviour, excessive energy, racing thoughts.
There's a lot of confusion around Bipolar Disorder. Some of it is due to the fact that the symptoms and nature of this mental illness are constantly changing, while other myths and misconceptions are simply based on incorrect information.
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Nicole Wilson: What type of symptoms will someone with bipolar disorder have?
Dr. Za-za: The symptoms can be very different from person to person, but they usually include alternating periods
The main symptom is the appearance of episodes of mania and depression. These occur periodically throughout the person's life, usually interspersed with relatively normal periods.
Mania can involve euphoria, irritability, grandiosity (exaggerated feelings of self-importance), elevated moods, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts and speech, distractibility and impulsiveness (acting without thinking).
Depressive symptoms may involve feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and suicidal
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Nicole Wilson: So how does one know if they have Bipolar Disorder?
Dr. Za-za: People with bipolar disorder may have symptoms of depression and mania at the same time (a mixed episode) or they may go through long stretches where their mood is normal—free of either depression or mania. The goal of treatment for bipolar disorder is to stabilize your moods so you can function well despite your symptoms. In other words, you want to be able to identify triggers that bring on your symptoms so you can avoid them as much as possible and recognize early warning signs so you can make lifestyle adjustments before a full-blown episode develops.
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Nicole Wilson: Does medication help with Bipolar Disorder?
Dr. Za-za: Medications are often used along with therapy to treat bipolar disorder because they
It's a mood disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.
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Nicole Wilson: What is the difference between bipolar Type 2 and Type 2?
Dr. Za-za: Bipolar I is when you have one or more manic episodes and hypomanic or major depressive episodes. With Bipolar II, you have one or more major depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode lasting four days.
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Nicole Wilson: What is the most common sign of bipolar disorder?
Dr. Za-za: The most common sign of the bipolar disorder is having a manic or hypomanic episode. During these periods, people may experience an elevated mood and be very high-energy. They may also feel irritable or extremely happy.
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Nicole Wilson: How do you help someone with bipolar disorder?
Dr. Za-za: You need to educate yourself about the illness so you can understand what the person with bipolar disorder may be going through! And learn about the treatment options available for the condition, because there are many types of treatments that work well for this illness, so if one doesn't work, another likely will.
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Nicole Wilson:
Thanks for checking out today's interview. I hope you enjoyed the discussion, and that you feel more informed about bipolar disorder.
I'd like to remind everyone that this is one area of mental health care where it's crucial to get an expert diagnosis and treatment plan since the consequences of misdiagnosis can be so severe.
I also want to give a shout-out to the company that pays me, Khular Brand Management. They've been supporting my work for years now, and I know they'll support yours, too.
Visit them on Facebook for more information about their personal branding and virtual employment services.
Thank you for joining us! Read again next week when we'll be discussing Schizophrenia.
Dr. Za-za:
If you'd like to schedule a consultation with me, please contact click here.
Thank you for having me.
I hope I was able to clear up any questions or concerns.
If anyone is looking for a mental health expert in South Africa, shoot me an email at info@doctorzaza.com
For more information, you can follow Dr. Za-za on her new and exciting online wellness center and you can even book a one-on-one session with South Africa's Most-Favorite Mental Healthcare Specialist.
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