Tessa Bergmeier left the jungle camp last night. Among other things, the 33-year-old discussed her mental illness in the show: the model is bipolar. Here’s what you need to know about the disease.
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.
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.
People with bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive, suffer from extreme, episodic swings in mood and drive that are unmanageable.
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 look out for the following symptoms:
Typical symptoms in mania:
Typical symptoms of depression:
The good news is that bipolar disorder is treatable. The DGBS explains that with early psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment, 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!”
If you notice in yourself or in your environment that someone could be suffering from depression or another psychological emergency, you can contact various counseling centers:
