23 May - Health - Thursday marks Bipolar Awareness Day
On Sakhisizwe today, we were joined by Jay Barnes – From the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. We were focusing on Bipolar disorder and bipolar Awareness day that takes place on the 26th of May 2011. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mood disorder characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning. This is much less common than Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymia, and only 2% of the population is affected over a lifetime. Males and females are affected equally. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, over 470 000 South Africans are living with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is also the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide. The bipolar awareness day event will take place at the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital on Thursday the 26th of May 2011, between 11AM - 13PM. For more information visit www.bipolarsa.org.za or send an email to info@bipolarsa.org.za alternativelty check www.sadag.org or call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 SMS 31393 or the SADAG Mental Health Line on (011) 262 6396 for more information.
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