Question

Hi,

I am not bipolar but I have a question, if you don't mind me asking.

My son is sharing this apartment with this guy who is bipolar. Sometime my son has difficulty understanding him. My son is not bipolar but he is very kind and want to understand.

So here is the question. Sometime my son's friend goes to the store or other places and spend all his money on this or that and don't save any for his share of rent. My son talked to him about it but his friend says he can't stop himself from doing this and it's went he is very hyper that he will do that. He is on disability and recieved his money only once a month.

My son doesn't know what to do with this. He is a very caring person. So what my son wants to know is can't he really not stop himself? Would it be better to ask his friend for his share of money when he would reveive his check?

I don't know if I'm asking this clear enough and I hope I'm not offending anyone.

Thank you!

time0

It's very common for folks who suffer bipolar to do that sort of thing during their manic cycle. Whether or not, strictly speaking, he can "help it" is a question I can't answer so I'll let other address it. In any case, I think it's perfectly reasonable to get the money for rent when his check first comes in rather than waiting 'til it's due. If the friend understands that he's likely to spend it all on the "upswing", hopefully he'll be cool with setting aside the rent before that happens.

While it is common for people in their manic phases to spend too much money it does not excuse them from not being financially responsible to others. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. He should make arrangements for someone to handle his money if he can not do so on his own. I think it is a good idea to have him pay for the rent in advance when he has the money. I hope your son does not get into financial trouble of his own by trying to help this person.