People with bipolar disorder face discrimination in workplaces, in their own families and society in general
Vincent Van Gogh, a Dutch painter, known for his masterpiece called the Starry Night, revolutionised art with his vivid colours and twirling bold brushstrokes. The Starry Night is one of the most recognised artworks in the world, perhaps second to the Mona Lisa.
However, what is interesting is that Vincent Van Gogh painted it during asylum confinement in 1889. The painting is said to capture the cosmic turmoil on the dark night over a calm imagined village, symbolising his own struggle within himself. His time at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in France was a period of recovery from his breakdown of what we call a bipolar disorder.
Attention to his mental state and diagnosis came when he severed his own ear in a manic episode. The mental unrest he experienced while producing such brilliant works, fuelled myths about the illness while labelling him as the mad genius.
Posthumously, his birthday which falls on March 30 is now marked as the World Bipolar Day, as a tribute to him with an idea to reduce the stigma of bipolar disorder, whilst educating people about it. The theme this year is #BipolarStrong with the aim to break barriers, open conversations and be supportive to the seven million people living with bipolar disorder worldwide.
Currently, India has a bipolar disorder prevalence ranging between 0.3-0.5% which is lower than the global rate. Sadly just 30% of those affected patients receive any treatment. The rest of people with bipolar disorder do not receive any help, can face significant stigma. Many are mislabelled as being dangerous, unpredictable or just crazy.
In Goa, misinformation and misconceptions about mental health often delay diagnosis and treatment itself. People with bipolar disorder face discrimination in workplaces, in their own families and society in general. This results in internalised shame like any other mental health issues. Subsequently, social withdrawal worsens their symptoms and quality of life.
The causes behind bipolar disorder can be genetics, brain chemistry or environmental factors. There is no single pinpointing trigger that bring on an episode of the disorder. Typically, bipolar disorders are of two types, one with full blown mania and the other with hypomania coupled with depression. A manic episode is one with euphoria, high energy, reduced sleep, rapid language and risky behaviours, while hypomania is a milder version of the same. Depressive episodes bring on a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, coupled with fatigue and suicidal thoughts at times.
As some of these symptoms are common to many mental disorders, it is important for a professional person to step in for an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment. Early identification of the disorder is helpful in regulating medication and psychotherapy.
Consistency in treatment will help manage the symptoms rather effectively and bring a sense of normalcy to the person. Reality check indicates that hiding the illness will only worsen the isolation a person with bipolar disorder already faces. Supporting them with empathy, listening without judgement and encouraging them and their families to seek professional help will go a long way, in integrating them as thriving and useful members of society.
The approach of many affected with mental health illnesses is to seek a complete cure. Some mental illnesses require lifelong support and treatment, just like diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illnesses. The idea is to see mental health like any other physical illness. A change in policies in workplace where mental health is concerned must be initiated.
Currently, there is no health insurance coverage available for mental health treatment in our country. Community support can encourage personal empowerment. From artistes like Mariah Carey to YoYo Honey Singh to CNN founder Ted Turner and CEO Andy Dunn, there is proof that with right support, a person with bipolar can indeed thrive. The idea for today’s column is to bring this conversation to the table.
(The writer is Associate Professor and Head of Department of Psychology at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
