Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson says everyone who suffers from bipolar disorder has different experiences, but walking alongside them is the best way to help them to wellness.
Bipolar was in the spotlight this week after rapper Kanye West had a very public episode, highlighting famous people aren't immune to mental health problems.
Robinson, who suffers from bipolar disorder himself, said on Friday the illness tends to get worse over time.
"Everybody's experience is quite different," he told The Project. "For me, for example, it was mainly depression and anxiety interspersed occasionally with big highs. For other people, it's more mania.
"The worst thing for me was after the highs were the incredibly crushing lows and periods of anxiety."
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar - a disorder that causes extreme highs and lows - affects 100,000 Kiwis.
According to the Mental Health Foundation's website, feelings are "extreme and continual". People can either feel miserable or on the flip side, really happy and energetic.
"In the past my ups and downs were extreme," said one bipolar sufferer, Taimi Allan. "I saw things that didn't exist," she told The Project.
The keys to supporting people who are suffering
Robinson said it can be difficult to support those suffering from mental distress.
But it's crucial to be there with them and walk alongside them, he explains.
"There will be times when people have to intervene to protect someone from doing themselves harm but mostly it's a matter of just being there consistently; continuing to show that person love and respect so that when they return to a bit more of a rational state they don't feel so embarrassed.
"That's what allowed me to eventually reach out and get help and get past my own self-stigma that, 'I should be tough, I should be able to get through this'."
Watch the video for the full interview.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
