The impact of the pandemic on the lived experience of people with bipolar affective disorder

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lived experience of people with Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD). Method: Using the critical phenomenological method, guided by the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty, phenomenological interviews were carried out with 06 participants diagnosed with BAD who were already followed up by a health service linked to the teaching clinic of a University. Results:  The units of meaning attributed to the interviewees' accounts were divided into four categories: 1) Intense and reduced cycles;  2) Imprisonment of existence;  3) The other that perplexes me;  and 4) Dealing with feelings. The experiences described denote a reduction in the possibilities caused by feelings of fear, imprisonment, irritation, confusion and loss, which present themselves as a circular and intense void. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people who experience BAD by intensifying the complexity of their illness, making specific forms of care necessary which can provide the reconstruction of their experiences with BAD in the pandemic, as well as providing new meanings to their lives.