I've known my friend who's bipolar for two years and she has never been on the right meds. Not only that, but every time I see her she refuses to take her meds or hasn't been taking them for a week, which makes her spin out.

She's going to see her doctor (we both have the same doctors as well) and I told her I'd be there for her and that I am willing to help her through her ups and downs since I am also bipolar. However, I am stable and take my meds correctly. She looks up to me and she's grateful for having a friend.

She has many issues including poor self esteem, self-injury, and has no family or strong support system to help her, among other things.

I am trying to work with her to bring her down from the manic/depressive states she goes into. So far I have told her to post sticky notes with positive messages on her mirror so she can look at them when she's putting on her makeup. She takes baths regularly and I told her to listen to Enya and guided imagery while taking her bath. I am thinking of looking into taking meditation or yoga classes with her or some form of relaxing activity to do with her.

Any other ideas that will help her calm down when she's stressed would be very helpful!