Unisa online - Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day

The 26th of May is Bipolar Awareness Day and Unisa’s Employee Wellness Division would like to support this day by making Unisa affiliates aware of the bipolar mood disorder and its impact on work performance and interpersonal relationships. Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and major depression disorder can seriously affect the performance of the most determined and faithful employee, and can also disrupt interpersonal relationships at home and at work. 

Bipolar mood disorder is a recurrent disorder resulting in the person suffering from depressive and manic episodes. During the period of mood disturbances, the person moves between two poles or extremities. On the one hand, he or she suffers from major depression or a depressed mood most of the day which results in (among other) a markedly diminished interest or pleasure in activities and work related tasks. On the other hand, the person can alternatively move into a manic episode which results in him or her being over talkative, having a decreased need for sleep, showing signs of distractibility and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities or work-related tasks.

Bipolar disorder can also breed negativity among other employees and co-workers who either do not understand what is going on or who are exhausted as a result of the person’s mood swings. Line managers need to be observant in order to spot signs of bipolar disorder and/or major depression. Sudden changes in appearance, personality, attitude and productivity can be indications of a bipolar mood disorder. Only a professional psychologist or psychiatrist, however, is qualified to make a diagnosis and to offer therapy.

Attached please find the Bipolar Awareness Day Newsletter from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) wherein information is given about support services, talks and workshops. The Division Employee Wellness is also available for counselling, support and advice. Strict confidentiality will be maintained. You are welcome to contact Ms Matrié van Niekerk (012 429 2837) or leave a message with Ms Jeannette Boon (012 429 2444).