Famous Ukrainian comedian and leader of the project “Underground Stand-Up” Sviat Zahaykevych publicly shared his story of battling bipolar disorder. In an interview on the YouTube channel of Ramina Eskhakzai, the artist detailed his emotional states and the journey to his diagnosis for the first time.
This is reported by Finway
Sviat Zahaykevych: how he learned about his diagnosis
Zahaykevych admitted that he learned about bipolar disorder only a year ago when he turned 36. Before that, he had long suffered from sharp mood swings and could not understand the reason for his condition. It was his girlfriend who insisted he see a psychiatrist, after which the comedian received a clear diagnosis.
“Quite late, actually. I am now 36 years old, and it will soon be a year since I found out I have bipolar disorder. In fact, it was my girlfriend who pushed me to go to a psychiatrist. Before that, I was constantly looking for other reasons for my mood swings, wondering why I felt this way. Sometimes I thought I was just an alcoholic. When I went to the psychiatrist, everything fell into place,” the comedian shared.
Currently, Zahaykevych is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. According to the artist, he feels energetic, full of strength, very productive, and extremely communicative. The comedian notes that this phase does not lead to extremes, such as impulsive purchases or credit-taking, but significantly affects his professional activities and communication.
Depressive and manic phases of bipolar disorder
Before the manic period, Zahaykevych experienced a depressive phase that lasted about a month. During this time, he found it hard to get out of bed, lacked energy and motivation, and his attention was focused solely on negative emotions. The comedian notes that during depression, even ordinary messages caused intense anxiety, and the world seemed distorted and gloomy.
According to the Ukrainian Center for Public Health, bipolar disorder (or bipolar affective disorder, BAD) is a chronic mental illness. It is characterized by sharp changes in mood, energy levels, activity, and the ability to concentrate. Patients with this diagnosis alternate between depressive phases and periods of mania or hypomania. The manic period is manifested by increased cheerfulness, euphoria, decreased need for sleep, and a tendency toward impulsive behavior. Depression, on the other hand, is accompanied by deep sadness, apathy, loss of interest in the environment, and exhaustion.
Between such episodes, there may be periods of remission. Despite its chronic course, modern medication therapy and psychotherapy help control symptoms, allowing individuals to lead a full life.
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