by GIFT NDOLWANE
JOHANNESBURG – THE story of strong-willed Rephethile Kgwale, who won her battle against bipolar disorder, is one of triumph against adversity considering the prevalence of the problem and stigmatization of victims in South Africa.
Kgwale is the woman behind the “Matters of the Brain” campaign, which is aimed at eliminating the stigma around mental health particularly in the black communities.
the campaign is a culmination of her growing tired of being surrounded by ignorance and stigmatisation about mental illness, which would see her moody being emotional and touchy on some days.
“We aim to create a safer space where people can come in and share their stories,” she said of the campaign.
“Through that, we want to educate and inspire acknowledge and empower people and to remind them that their stories might inspire other people . People with mental health illness should not shy away or hide their feelings,” Kgwale said.
The campaign started in 2017 but it hit a snag when bipolar disorder got the better of her.
“It collapsed last year but I restarted it again early this year,” she said.
“Maybe I was not ready back then. About two months ago, I sat down and recommitted to rebuild this legacy , to building this conversation and set a campaign that will have a beneficial impact to the youth and elders especially the black communities. It’s still a young baby but the reception that I have been getting from communities is great ,” Kgwale added.
During her journey, she has met different individuals dealing with the condition but a struggle by a girl with a mental health issue left an indelible mark in her heart.
She had an immune disorder which she had no control over it.
The girl has contemplated suicide several times. The disorder was destroying some organs and she had to spend lengthy stays in hospital.
“Her story touched me because it resonated with the campaign and the mission and vision that I have. Her experiences show that people get into dark spaces and are not given an opportunity to express themselves. I could relate based on my experience and possibilities of having a better life,’ Kgwale said with an air of consternation.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), over 4 million South Africans have bipolar disorder. It affects up to 3 percent- 4 percent of the estimated 56 population in South Africa.
The condition is still incredibly stigmatised and society too often still portrays those with the illness as “crazy”, “unstable” and “dangerous.”
As a result, for many people suffering from bipolar disorder, it can take up to two years to receive treatment.
Dr Kim Laxton, a Johannesburg psychiatrist, said manic depression had been used as a clinical description of bipolar and related disorders that includes both “poles” of the mood spectrum.
These “poles” are depression, low mood, fatigue, sleep changes, ruminate negative thoughts, commonly involving suicidal ideation, appetite and weight changes, low motivation and/or memory and concentration difficulties as well as mania.
There is also significantly increased energy and goal-directed behaviour, an elevated, irritable, increased thought speed, a decreased need for sleep with or without psychotic symptoms.
While bipolar disorder can seem unpredictable, the symptoms and their impact can be managed with the help of medication, psychotherapy and psychosocial support systems.
Sydney Makhutla was diagnosed with bipolar disorder many years ago and as a black man, has dealt with stigma.
“I’ve also had to learn to manage my disorder by making sure I take my medication. I also joined a support group so I could connect with others who have similar experiences. The fact is when you are sick –
you are not alone,” Makhutla said.
Bipolar disorder can be mistaken for normal, everyday shifts in mood and energy levels – the regular ups and downs of daily life but the disorder is not as regular as is thought.
“People with this disorder experience unusually intense fluctuations in emotional states,” explained psychiatrist, Dr Frans Korb.
– CAJ News
