Gaia: Yesterday, I felt so strange.
El: What do you mean?
Gaia: I experienced a deep sense of darkness inside me and could barely move, it almost felt like depression.
El: Really?
Gaia: But today, I feel perfectly fine. It’s really odd.
El: Oh, please… I hate it when people casually label everything as depression. It’s a serious condition; some people even take their own lives because of it.
Gaia: Yeah, you’re right…
Mental health is vital for overall well-being.
Symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, impulsive behaviour, and persistent sadness may indicate conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Take every mood swing and symptom seriously. Avoid casual use of terms like “depression” to respect those with serious conditions. Be mindful, supportive, and encourage seeking professional help when needed.
Ni: So, how was your camping trip?
Gaia: I don’t know.
Ni: You don’t know? Why? Was it bad?
Gaia: No, no. Objectively, it was great—the situation, the place, the people, the landscapes. I don’t know why I couldn’t enjoy it.
Sofy: Oh, you should have seen her. She looked like a walking ghost with her big raincoat.
Gaia: Maybe because there were so many strangers… I really don’t know.
SM: Gaia! Can you please talk slower? I can’t understand anything! And please stop jumping.
Gaia: What do you mean? I’m talking normally. Come on, let’s jump together!
SM: Have you taken something? Like drugs.
Gaia: Oh my God! No!
SM: Then why are you so happy? You can’t even stay in one place.
Gaia: I don’t need a reason to be happy! I just am!
SM: Oh, I wish I was like you.
Someone experiencing extreme mood swings from very high to very low might be showing signs of bipolar disorder.
How should you respond?
The appropriate response to someone experiencing extreme mood swings should be:
They might need help; you should encourage them to see a mental health professional.
Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings between high energy (mania) and low moods (depression).
Seeking professional help is crucial because:
1. Only mental health professionals can accurately diagnose it.
2. Proper treatment, including medication and therapy, can manage it effectively. Early intervention improves outcomes.
3. Encouraging professional help shows support and empowers individuals to manage their mental health.
Ignoring extreme mood swings delays treatment and worsens the condition. Responding with empathy and guiding them to professional help is essential.
Gaia: Oh my God! I wish I always had as much energy as I did the morning.
Ni: You were so energetic earlier, and now you’re exhausted. You’re so bipolar.
Gaia: Meh. Bipolar disorder is really serious; don’t use it like that. It’s just my energy levels are really unstable.
Ni: Okay, okay, but we need to leave. The lecture is starting.
Gaia: I can’t.
Ni: What do you mean? The professor will kill you if you don’t come. Come on, get up.
Gaia: I can’t really. Just leave me alone.
Ni: you will fail!
Gaia: I don’t care.
During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder might show signs of extreme sadness and withdrawal.
How can you support them?
The best way to support them is:
Be there for them, listen, and encourage them to seek professional help.
Important message
During a depressive episode, support individuals by listening without judgment, reassuring them, and encouraging professional help. Treatment can manage symptoms effectively, so guiding them towards support is crucial for their well-being.
Gaia: Something is really off with me.
Ni: Like what?
Gaia: I don’t think it’s normal to transition from struggling with suicidal thoughts to suddenly being unable to stop dancing in the streets within such a short time.
Ni: typical Gaia.
Gaia: Yeah, but this time I felt so terrible. And I notice that it’s getting worse and worse.
Ni: When did you have that bad mood? How did I not notice it?
Gaia: I felt so bad that I couldn’t even talk about it.
Ni: OMG, then that’s really bad!
Gaia: And unusual. I think it’s not really an ordinary thing.
Ni: Oh, really?! I’ve been telling you this for so long!
Gaia: Yeah, but it’s not bipolar either, I know it!
Ni: Why are you so sure?
Gaia: I did a lot of research, bipolar disorder is way more severe compared to my situation… still something is wrong with me, I can feel it.
Ni: You know that articles on internet are only for basic awareness and you can’t rely on them, right? Please go to a specialist.
Gaia: I will go when I am able to.
A person with bipolar disorder shares that they are feeling overwhelmed and are having thoughts about self-harm.
What should you do?
This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. The appropriate response should be:
Take it seriously and help them get immediate professional support
Responding promptly and compassionately to someone expressing thoughts of self-harm is crucial.
Encourage them to seek professional help immediately to ensure their safety and well-being.
1. Thoughts of self-harm show serious distress and should never be ignored.
2. Urgently guide them to contact a mental health professional or crisis service for proper care and support.
3. Reassure them and stay with them if possible. Listen without judgment and let them know they are not alone.
4. Ensure their safety by removing any potential means of self-harm and stay with them until help arrives.
5. Never dismiss their feelings as dramatic or attention-seeking, as this can worsen their state and prevent them from seeking help in the future.
Gaia: But doctor, I heard someone with the exact same symptoms as mine visited, and you prescribed just one medication. Are all these medications and therapies really necessary?!
Doctor: Oh dear, if you had come here on time, perhaps the situation would be different. But now, if you want treatment, you need to follow the recommendations I’m giving you to help you feel better. We also need to monitor your progress closely.
Key Information
Self-diagnosing mental health issues through internet research is not reliable. Trust healthcare professionals, follow treatment plans, and seek timely help for effective management of conditions like Gaia’s.
1. Thoughts of self-harm show serious distress and should never be ignored.
2. Urgently guide them to contact a mental health professional or crisis service for proper care and support.
3. Reassure them and stay with them if possible. Listen without judgment and let them know they are not alone.
4. Ensure their safety by removing any potential means of self-harm and stay with them until help arrives.
5. Never dismiss their feelings as dramatic or attention-seeking, as this can worsen their state and prevent them from seeking help in the future.
Final Thoughts on Gaia’s Story
Gaia’s journey highlights the importance of taking mental health seriously, seeking professional help, and avoiding casual use of terms like “depression” and “bipolar.” Early intervention and proper treatment can significantly improve outcomes, while empathy and support from others are crucial in managing mental health conditions.
This story was created by Ketevani Japarashvili
EVS Volunteer, Druskininkai Youth Activity Centre (2024)