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#1
Nov 03, 2012, 07:41 PM
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I feel so bad for my friend. She thinks she has BP, and I'm pretty sure she might. Her moods have been up and down lately, and I don't know how to help her.
 Me and this girl have been best friends since we were four years old and I love her to death. I literally would do anything for her (even if she thinks I wouldn't).  Lately our friendship has been on the rocks, and I'm not exactlly sure why, but we will overcome it no matter what. WE ALWAYS DO! (I couldn't imagine ever losing her as a friend.) I'm not very firmilar with BP so can anyone give me some idea about how to help her?
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#2
Nov 03, 2012, 07:47 PM
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If she hasn't been diagnosed for sure, seeing if her general doctor will refer her to a psychiatrist for a diagnosis of bipolar would be a good start.
Otherwise, you can be there for her. You have known her a long time and I'm guessing you have a close friendship. Do some research on bipolar symptoms. And know that, if she's having an episode, it won't be that easy to know it on her part. She may, or she may not. I've found that I have a few friends willing to take me to the psych ER and stay with me, or talk with me while I'm manic. In short, to see ME through the bipolar symptoms. We are here to support you.
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Qui Cantat Bis Orat - He who sings prays twice Ingrezza 80 mg Propranolol 40 mg Benztropine 1 mg Vraylar 6 mg  Gabapentin 600 mg Klonopin 1 mg 2x daily |
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#3
Nov 03, 2012, 11:30 PM
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Your friend: I suggest her see a professional (psychiatrist-for evaluation and meds plus a therapist- for talk therapy).
You and your friend-Info can be learned abt BD from www.dbsa.com and www.nami.com. NAMI has a list of support groups that would be good for your friend and I'm sure she would love to have you attend with her. There are support groups to help friends and family that have a loved one with a mental illness (through NAMI).
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#SpoonieStrong Spoons are a visual representation used as a unit of measure to quantify how much energy individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses have throughout a given day. 1). Depression 2). PTSD 3). Anxiety 4). Hashimoto 5). Fibromyalgia 6). Asthma 7). Atopic dermatitis 8). Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria 9). Hereditary Angioedema (HAE-normal C-1) 10). Gluten sensitivity 11). EpiPen carrier 12). Food allergies, medication allergies and food intolerances. . 13). Alopecia Areata |
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#4
Nov 04, 2012, 08:39 PM
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The biggest thing you can do for your friend is give them lots of support. I professional opinion is also needed. But more support the better, being there for them.
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#7
Nov 04, 2012, 11:20 PM
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Did you follow the link?
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#8
Nov 05, 2012, 12:57 AM
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Quote:
Treat her with empathy and respect. Listen. Be open. Be present. Be kind. The link Hamster posted was an excellent and tragic example of a common reaction that I often am confronted with. If you care about her, then be there for her. Sounds simple, but it amazes me how many people miss that point. 
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But all the magic I have known, I've had to make myself. |
 Just a girl.., WiShEs.Of.ThE.hEaRt
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#9
Nov 05, 2012, 11:19 AM
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Yeah, I'm often told to "just get over it" or "just leave it at the door," or just "suck it up." How about, "Take a few deep breaths and it will stop..."
Yup, people don't get it. Yes, I have to learn to handle my moods and learn how to deal with it. But it's not something that will just cure itself. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen to what we're saying, not give us advice.
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| Just a girl..
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#10
Nov 05, 2012, 10:05 PM
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[QUOTE=Me,Lately;2688845] Bipolar disorder does not define her, it does not make her any less important or human than anyone else.
/QUOTE] What happens to us in life does not define us. How we respond to what happens, that is what defines us. I'm fairly new to BP(II)... At least being formally diagnosed. I've lived with it for 32 years, and not very well. Everyone is a little different as to how their symptoms manifest. Some people tend to go on shopping or gambling "splurges" when they are on their up-swing. Me, I just get cranky. I also get cranky when I'm on my Down-swing.... Makes for an awful lot of cranky....  Let me tell you, medication has saved my life. So has family. If it was not for the unconditional love of my mother and children, I don't think I would be here today. Be there for your friend. Don't be pushy, just be. Don't make excuses for her behavior, we all need to learn how to cope with this. With a little luck, and a lot of friendship, she will be ok. |
 Just a girl..
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| Just a girl..
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#11
Nov 06, 2012, 08:08 PM
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(huggggss) best friend!
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#12
Nov 06, 2012, 08:20 PM
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  ((((Hugggggggggs)))) Best friend back
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This is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.|
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