[buttonup]

I recently got back in touch with an old friend. I found out she has had some trouble during our years apart. She had some problems with drugs and was then diagnosed as bipolar. Please forgive my ignorance but, I know very little about drug addiction or BP. It just seems to me she is always very hyper. On any given day, I could end up receiving 23 texts in a row from her. When I speak with her I don't even have a chance to speak. Sometimes I listen to her on the phone for over an hour and have no idea what she is talking about. She is overly concerned about her beauty and seems to be totally unaware of anything going on in the world. Is this usual for a manic state?

How do I know if this is her mania or if she is using drugs again? Are there any telltale signs of either?

Thanks in advance

[~Christina]

Yes being super chatty could be hypo/mania. My “ chatty-ness” only last a couple weeks at most then I’m depressed to the floor.

Or drugs

Or both.

Is she a friend you can just ask her what’s going on? Or can you not get a word in edgewise?

Everyone’s Bipolar is unique. But I will say it’s virtually impossible to find stability using street drugs.

[sarahsweets]

Do you know what drugs she used?

I agree with Christina. I think if she does have bipolar disorder, the motor mouth can certainly be hypomania or mania. But if she takes stimulants of some sort (cocaine, crystal meth, or even Adderall) that could be contributing, too. Some people who don't have bipolar disorder but take serious stimulants can seem manic. That's why doctors want patients off drugs, so they can more reliably diagnose.

[Jedi67]

the hyper texting, rapid speech and super charged talking may well indeed be mania (or hypo-mania). and if she is concerned only about her beauty, she may have narcissistic tendencies as well. throw drugs into the mix, especially stimulants or street drugs, and that is a recipe for disaster. maybe just approaching her carefully about any drug use might help. is she on any bipolar medication? sorry you are going through this. you came to the right place. as you can see, everyone has a unique perspective and they all give great counsel and advice. all the best. sending hugs.