Your post brings back memories. Even though I knew "something just wasn't quite right with Sammy," I ignored my symptoms and cleaned up the damage left behind each episode adding a truckload of excuses, rationalizations, and false explanations as to why I'm not mentally ill. But when I was forced in to have a psychiatric evaluation - the results were great. I was given a treatment plan (meds & therapy) that immediately changed my life for the better.

Your friend's advice that you go into inpatient treatment is excellent! Sounds like you have an exceptionally valuable friend.