She was “60 percent disabled,” said Tessa Bergmeier in one of the first jungle camp programs of this year’s season. The 33-year-old pointed out her mental illness: she suffers from bipolar disorder.
Tessa Bergmeier talks about bipolar disorder in the jungle
In concrete terms, this means: The constant, sometimes unpredictable alternation between mania and depression. Sometimes she felt “like a fairy”, she describes the phases of mania. As if she could “enchant everything”. In other phases, however, she felt very bad, she speaks of disturbed sleep, disturbed eating habits. As if she could do nothing, as if she were nothing. In the meantime, however, she has the disease under control, the ex-GNTM model also emphasizes. We explain the symptoms of the disease – and where those affected can find help.
This is what is behind bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive, suffer from extreme, episodic swings in mood and drive that are unmanageable.
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In Germany, more than one in 100 people is affected by a bipolar disorder, writes the German Society for Bipolar Disorders (DGBS) on its website. However: “Only a few of those affected know about their illness and find their way to a trained doctor or psychologist. Timely diagnosis and targeted treatment could significantly improve the course of the disease.” Those affected should pay attention to the following symptoms:
Typical symptoms in mania:
- unreasonably high mood, “storm of ideas”, sometimes irritability
- restless activity and restlessness
- decreased need for sleep
- urge to talk
- loss of social inhibitions
- uncontrolled handling of money and addictive substances
Typical symptoms of depression:
- Melancholy, lack of joy and discouragement, loss of interest, easy to tire
- rumination, loss of self-confidence
- fears, pessimism
- guilt
- decreased ability to concentrate
Tessa Bergmeier encourages those affected
The good news is that bipolar disorder is treatable. The DGBS explains that if psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment is initiated at an early stage, a largely normal life is now possible. “It’s important to stay with yourself and accept help,” emphasizes Bergmeier. “To all people who struggle with mental health problems: you can do it!”
