This is a good idea, right?

I had a friend in high school who had bipolar I, but I had my own issues and lost contact with her when she got ill. I felt and still feel bad about this. I think I want to contact her again, and today this seems like a really really great idea but I'm a bit up so I was wondering, if you were this friend of mine, would you want me to contact you again? I kind of neglected her and I know I can't and shouldn't blame this on my illness, it was my choice and my fault, but I think I'd really love to see her again and talk with her about the past and the present, ups and downs, friends and life, etc. What do you think? Should I do it?

The thought is very admirable. But the call could go either way, so be
careful; a lot might have happened during the interim.

I hope it does go well, though, for you and her.

I would say go for it. She's not in your life at present, so you don't have anything to lose. I'd feel really cared for if an old friend decided to contact me again.

But that's my opinion, and of course she could say she isn't interested in a friendship - at least you haven't lost anything

You can try. The worst she could do is say she isn't interested, right? You never know unless you try.

Our friend know we vanish and come back. Things pick up right where they left off. I say try.

Thanks! Very helpful posts, everyone, it's great with new perspectives when they're so accurate! I'm going to find her phone number and contact her! Not today because anxiety is creeping up on me, but soon! I really hope this goes well!

You'll be a bit brave doing this. Taking a first step after long time has past always feels awkward. Not just because you cannot predict the outcome, but it has no natural starting point, you just have to "do it".

I do think it sounds like a good thing, it doesn't sound like either you were to blame for losing touch, sometimes that just happens and suddenly time flies. So I hope it will be a good "reunion", but if it was me I would probably have a small breakdown before I dared calling.

Good luck.

I say just call her Good luck

If I were that friend, it would make me happy to know that you feel bad about neglecting the friendship and that you were still thinking of me. I say do it : )...I hope the outcome is good for both of you!!!

Other night my old best friend told me she feels like she wasn't a good friend to me during an event that happened to me in teen years, she said she was sorry. It meant a lot to me - she offered no excuses, it was very heartfelt.

So yes I think it's a great idea to reach out to her, and protect your feelings too, it could go any direction. Good luck