Managing our own mental health should therefore be a priority for all of us, but remember that you don’t have to do it alone. If you’ve been diagnosed with a specific mental health condition, it’s important that you check in regularly with your health provider, to assess whether your current treatment plan is working for you or if it needs to be adjusted.

This is especially relevant with conditions such as bipolar mood disorder. Also known as manic depression, bipolar mood disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These range from exceedingly high “highs” (known as mania) to very low lows (depression) that affect many facets of a person’s life, including their sleep, energy, behaviour and judgement – among others.

It’s important to understand, though, that the chronic (long-term) treatment of bipolar mood disorder is not only about treating the symptoms. When you feel okay, this means that the medicine is working and that you need to keep on taking it. If you feel worse, you should contact your doctor immediately, who will help correct your medication type or dosage.

Taking control of your bipolar mood disorder through positive lifestyle changes and activities is an important step towards getting better, but you should never attempt to control your medication without consulting your doctor.

Why should you take your chronic medicine consistently?

It’s crucial that you take your medicine as recommended by your doctor. One of the causes of the disorder is imbalanced levels of important mood-stabilising chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Your medication stabilises these levels to control your symptoms.

What can go wrong if you don’t take your medicine?

When you don’t take your medication as prescribed, or stop taking it altogether, the condition will alter the chemicals in your brain and may cause you to feel even worse.

Bipolar disorder medication includes antidepressants and mood-stabilising drugs. These medicines have a sedative effect on your brain as well as your body. When you alter your dosages, this can make possible side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,

headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, impaired memory and poor concentration much worse.

Drinking alcohol with your medicine will also make the side effects more pronounced, and could lead to serious accidents (e.g., while driving or operating machinery). As your medicine is metabolised by the liver, excessive alcohol consumption may overload the liver

and cause chronic liver damage.

Some of the older medications still used to treat bipolar mood disorder include lithium, and inconsistent dosages of this medication could cause kidney damage.

What’s the worst that can happen?

If you don’t take your medication as prescribed, the associated depression may spiral out of control which could even lead you to contemplate suicide.

If you alter the dosages of your medication, or stop taking it suddenly, other health problems may also occur. The reaction will depend on the drug you’re taking and the dose you’re on, but you may experience discontinuation symptoms (e.g., flu-like symptoms,

insomnia, nausea, imbalance, sensory disturbances and hyper-arousal) or you may suffer from a life-threatening seizure.

What you can do

Always take your medicine as prescribed but do discuss your treatment with your doctor if you aren’t satisfied with the results you’re getting. It’s also important to always keep your medical scheme updated and let them know if anything has changed.

Bipolar mood disorder is a PMB condition, and all medical schemes have to cover the diagnosis. Medication is subject to scheme formularies and scheme options. Fedhealth’s higher options also offer a support programmme for members with bipolar mood disorder.  

In these times, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, because we need each other more than ever. And remember that if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition like bipolar mood disorder, medication can play a vital part in managing it and living a happier, healthier life.

Sources: Healthline.com; Mayoclinic.com; Webmd.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.