South African youth, through Radio Workshop, turn up the volume on mental health with powerful stories that challenge stigma and ensure every voice is heard. Here are a few of their stories.
“People with bipolar don’t process things the way everyone else does, that’s why I feel so misunderstood.” — Ole
Mental health struggles are still taboo in many parts of South African society, especially when it comes to complex conditions like bipolar disorder. In the Radio Workshop episode “Listen to Me,” Ole shares her deeply personal experience living with bipolar disorder while navigating faith, relationships, a high-pressure work environment, and the social stigma surrounding her condition.
Her friend Sibongile opens up about trying to be a better friend, admitting she had never met anyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder before. For her, the learning process has been as important as the support she offers.
Ole explains the dual realities of bipolar disorder: manic episodes, when she feels euphoric and unstoppable, and depressive episodes, when the weight of anxiety and suicidal thoughts becomes overwhelming. She describes it as “a prison,” a feeling of being trapped inside your own head and unable to fully explain what’s happening.
Growing up in an environment where emotions were supposed to be packed away, Ole was often told to “get over it.” But she’s found ways to cope through therapy, journaling, music, prayer, and reading the Bible. Journaling, she says, is especially powerful as it helps her deal with her emotions. “If I don’t cry, I explode,” she shares.
Even though friends, coworkers, and family may not always understand, opening up has helped. Ole now shares her story more openly, including on social media, to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around bipolar disorder, a condition that affects over half a million South Africans.
“It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about being heard,” she says. “I want others who live with this condition to feel less alone.”
