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Aussie Rapper 360 Shows What It's Really Like To Have Bipolar Disorder

'I'm sick of feeling like I will never be alright.'
Aussie rapper 360 has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
Don Arnold via Getty Images
Aussie rapper 360 has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

Days after revealing he has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Aussie rapper 360 has released a powerful video describing how the mental illness has affected him.

The 30-year-old hip hop artist, real name Matthew Colwell, took to Facebook with the video to describe his thoughts and feelings since being diagnosed in the hope it will "help others who might not know the right words to describe what they're feeling."

"I'm so sick of feeling forever up or forever down, or people asking me what I have to be depressed about," Colwell says in the video.

"I'm so sick of not knowing what's making me depressed, I'm sick of loving you one minute then hating you the next.

"I'm sick of feeling like I will never be alright, I'm sick of lying, telling you that everything is fine."

Bipolar Disorder, previously named Manic Depression, affects around two per cent of the Australian population, according to Beyond Blue.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

A mental illness where people tend to experience extreme moods – both low (depressed), and high or excited (manic).

What causes it?

The cause of the illness is not fully known, although a combination of genetic and other factors are usually thought to be associated with its development. Family history of Bipolar Disorder also can contribute to the likelihood a person will develop it.

What are the signs and symptoms?

In a high (manic) state, people may behave in an over-excited or reckless way. Thoughts, speech and movements speed up and they may have difficulty focusing on tasks or feel frustrated and irritable. People experiencing a low or depressed state may feel sad, withdraw from friends and family, and lose interest in previously enjoyable activities.

How is it treated?

A combination of medical and psychological treatments is used to treat bipolar disorder. While everyone is different, the evidence shows that medication plays an important role in treatment in most cases.

Colwell announced his diagnosis on Twitter on February 9 after having a mental health evaluation. The musician said it was originally thought he was suffering from Unipolar Disorder with an extreme case of Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD), but later found out it was Bipolar Disorder.

The rapper publicly revealed his battle with addiction to opiate codeine in 2016 and collapsed in a show in January 2015 after allegedly consuming 120 pills, according to News.com.au.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

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