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According to Sibangani Ngobeni, living with bipolar disorder has been difficult, but taking medication and leading a healthy life means that he can manage this disease.
"I was diagnosed three years ago after struggling for years against anxiety, mood swings and suicidal ideation," he said.
Ngobeni, 28, said people thought his condition was due to witchcraft.
"I was isolated and no one wanted to go with my family." Eventually, his family took him to a clinic where he underwent therapy and was put on treatment.
Sibangani Ngobeni, 28, has bipolar disorder. Photo: Cynthia Maseko / Health-e
In addition to taking his medication, Ngobeni also exercises regularly and has a balanced diet.
"I'm longer than this shy young man who kept things to himself. I know that when you talk, you relieve stress, "he said.
Affected persons
According to the South African Group of Depression and Anxiety (SADAG), bipolar disorder affects up to 1% of the population in South Africa, or about 500,000 people.
The group explained that people living with bipolar disorder were experiencing extreme mood swings, ranging from a high that gives the impression of being at the top of the world to a very deep depression. .
"The disease affects your daily functioning, including work, home and relationships. Bipolar disorder is more than just mood swings. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of misinformation about this, especially the stigma that prevents many people from asking for help or disclosing their diagnosis. "
According to nurse Phindile Mathebula, mental illnesses are not always accepted in communities and people with mental disorders are sometimes hidden because the family is ashamed.
"My call to the community is to bring mental health patients to a health facility, support them and encourage them to take their medications," she said.
Ngobeni called on people to work together to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness.
"The disorders can affect young people, the elderly, men, women and all races," he said. "Please, if you or someone you know has a mental disorder, look for a professional [help]because the earlier the diagnosis, the better. "
– Health-e News
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