A young man began to face sleep issues as a teenager, prompting him to seek help at a health center. At the age of 15, he was referred to Empower Pacific for counseling. In 2013, he received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder from a medical professional. Following his diagnosis, he was prescribed medication that helped improve his sleep.
After receiving counseling support for about a year, he stopped attending sessions but returned to the hospital in 2019, once again receiving a referral to Empower Pacific for ongoing counseling. He visited the NGO’s office in Suva in 2022, where he met with counselor Virendra Singh. The client expressed gratitude for finding a professional with whom he could share and discuss his struggles without fear of judgment.
The referrals to Empower Pacific were made through a long-term partnership with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services. Now 26, the client shared that continuous counseling sessions have inspired him to make positive life changes, including a renewed interest in reading. He diligently practiced therapy exercises recommended by the counselor, such as emotion regulation, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and physical activity.
Counseling has helped him address past traumas and instilled a sense of hope. Through sessions, he revealed a challenging childhood characterized by poverty and neglect, as he was raised by his grandparents due to his parents’ difficulties. While his academic performance initially struggled, it improved with counseling interventions.
The client emphasized that expressing his emotions during counseling has significantly enhanced his psychological health. “The methods and therapy have worked wonders for me, and my mental health and sleep patterns have improved,” he noted, highlighting the impact of meditation on his healing process and emotional release.
He vowed to move forward from his traumatic past and not allow those negative emotions to dominate his thoughts. Expressing appreciation for Empower Pacific and his counselor, he stated he would seek assistance in the future if needed.
Counselor Virendra Singh noted that the client frequently shares insights about his treatment and tasks from their sessions. The collaboration between the NGO and the health ministry aims to deliver comprehensive mental health care. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 40 million individuals globally were living with bipolar disorder in 2019, with effective treatment options combining medication and psychosocial support to improve well-being.
The condition is most common in working-age individuals but is also found among younger populations. Stigma surrounding bipolar disorder often hinders access to healthcare. The WHO recommends personalized treatment approaches for better outcomes, with doctors in government hospitals referring cases to Empower Pacific. Additionally, a 24/7 toll-free counseling helpline is available for those in need of immediate support.