[Lizzie B]

Ok, so yesterday N called me she has been having alot of rapid cycling manic and depressive episodes. She was in her psychiatrists waiting room and had been siting there a long time. She tells me she is not doing well and has been thinking about cutting. In the distant past she cut so much her arms were completely covered with scars. I suggested she talk to her doc about her "thoughts". She didn't really give me an answer if she was going to bring it up. I left a message on her home phone that she call me back or if she's in the hospital then I asked her husband to call me. Later, when she did call back they were both "joking" about my message. I don't think she tells her husband the really intense stuff she tells me. He doesn't have any mental health issues. Anyway, I hung up the phone kind of pissed re: the way they reacted to my call. Did I do something wrong?

[InTherapy]

Lizzie, it sounds like you did something RIGHT! Being there for your friend and telling her so (ie calling her) is a great way to be supportive.

If your friend has rapid cycling ups and downs, it makes sense that she would blow off/joke about it - she might be "up" again and feel silly about what she said to you earlier or think it's not important anymore. Priorities and opinions can rapidly change with bipolar.

Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you, other than to keep being there for your friend and to make sure you're taking care of yourself, too. Having mentally ill friends can be draining, and it's important you look after yourself, too.

[Lizzie B]

My friend is in the hospital now thank goodness.

[TheShyCrier]

you're a good friend.

[Archimondrix]

I once I had a friend that self-injured. It was very painful to know she was doing that to herself. Just be the best friend you can be, that's all you can do