I just met someone with DID

I have read all of your comments and thank you for them.

Oddly enough, I met my friend just a week before my psychiatrist went on vacation. I told him before he left that I had met someone online who I suspected had schizophrenia, because I wanted to get his input. He told me not to divulge personal information and to be safe, but he didn't think it a problem that I speak with the friend. When my Dr. returns (next week) I will update him on the situation, with the alter, and see what he says.

The one thing I am not willing to do at this point is to cut off communication with my friend. He is my friend, and friends don't abandon one another as far as I'm concerned...no matter what. I would never want him to feel that I am abandoning him or judging him because of his problems.

As for my friend saying the "not schizophrenia" comment, it was once. He said it very low, and it was just before I met the alter. The next day I asked if he was on medication and he said he didn't need any. I don't feel that it is my place to suggest he get medical help.

In the meantime, I will take all of your advice and proceed with caution. Thanks again.

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Broken_Wing said:
Oddly enough, I met my friend just a week before my psychiatrist went on vacation. I told him before he left that I had met someone online who I suspected had schizophrenia, because I wanted to get his input. He told me not to divulge personal information and to be safe, but he didn't think it a problem that I speak with the friend. When my Dr. returns (next week) I will update him on the situation, with the alter, and see what he says.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> well your pdoc isn't you and doesn't live with your circumstances. did you tell your pdoc that you have not mentioned anything about this "friendship" to your bf? that's rather crucial as it shows selective sharing of information. </font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
The one thing I am not willing to do at this point is to cut off communication with my friend. He is my friend, and friends don't abandon one another as far as I'm concerned...no matter what. I would never want him to feel that I am abandoning him or judging him because of his problems.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> we're a bit more worried about your needs before his. what if your depression becomes worse and you aren't able to provide communication at the level your friend is used to....what then? the no matter what statement is slightly troubling as it shows a lack of understanding on your part about keeping the self healthy so that one can be there for others. </font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
As for my friend saying the "not schizophrenia" comment, it was once. He said it very low, and it was just before I met the alter. The next day I asked if he was on medication and he said he didn't need any. I don't feel that it is my place to suggest he get medical help.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> you don't feel comfortable suggesting to someone with a psychiatric disorder to seek medical assistance? hmmm....we'd hope our friends would be honest enough with us to mention medical help should they think we need it. a signature here from another member reads "In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend"</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
In the meantime, I will take all of your advice and proceed with caution. Thanks again.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post"> as we don't live in an auto race we can't run a red or yellow flag to stop or slow you down we can only say we offered our opinions and hope that you stay well and that your life holds much happiness with the choices you make and the life you create.

My psychiatrist is aware that I haven't shared the information about my friend. He believes that I am at a point in my life where I am ready to move on from an unsatisfactory relationship, so I am guessing that is why he didn't comment on my deception.

I have dysthymia and have never been at a point where I am non-functioning. Yes, I realize that could change. I have always been a good, loyal friend and I don't plan on changing. I think balance is key when doing anything, and that will always be my goal.

I believe that each of us meet people throughout our life's journey that help us to grow. I am helping my friend and he is helping me.

I told you what I said to my friend in terms of treatment. Ultimately it is up to the person to decide whether they want to be treated. He has not told me if he's been diagnosised, I am guessing he has DID by his behavior and some of the things he has shared with me. I am not a Dr., I am a friend.

If I thought he was in danger, I would encourage him to seek treatment. I have only known him a short while, as well. If you just met someone, and they suggested you get medical help, how would you feel? If it were me, I would think the person presumptious and judgmental.

The nature of the illness is also relevant. If it were something physical that could be remedied by my suggestion, that would be altogether different. This case is much more subjective. I am supporting him by not judging him and being a friend. If that is wrong, so be it.

As I said, I am proceeding with extreme caution and will discuss this with my psychiatrist at length when he returns. Thank you for your thoughtful comments and your concern.