a friend of mine since school told me that she is bi polar?

Question

she says she has compulsions to steal and is very impatient and wants to be alone alot of the time.
she is afraid to make major changes because she's afraid of the feelings it produces??? I'm confused how can i help her?
She's in her 30's.

Answer 1

bi polar does not give u the excuse to do what ever you want. That's a new one to me, I steal cause I'm bi polar?
She needs alot of help cause she seems to be using it as a crutch to explain her messed up life.

Answer 2

I've worked with bipolar students and clients for 13 years, and I know the best help they can get is from themselves. However, support, patience, and LOW tolerance for inappropriate behavior from those around them helps to create an environment in which they can function and improve. Here's another little secret (only because it's being researched right now, and isn't formally accepted by the medical/psychological community): Omega 3 fatty acids have been proved in trial after trial to directly impact bipolar patients in clinical test groups. Normally these fatty acids are being provided through high fish (or fish oil) intake, which sadly has the terrifying possibility of being poisoned with mercury. HOWEVER, there is a fairly new dark chocolate product on the market called Xocai, which is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. It's far less expensive than drugs, and rather than suppressing symptoms, it may actually help to curtail the problem.

Answer 3

Bipolar means someone has manic depression. Many times people also have other disorders with it like obsessive compulsive disorder that you mentioned. Best thing you can do is be genuine. if she starts staying up all night or spending alotta money or getting really irritable, or engaging is risky behaviors or too happy she is probably in a manic phase. If she stays alone alot and cries allot she is probably depressed. Find out if she is on medication. Many times people with bipolar disorder will stop taking their medications. Remind her to take her medication. Lithium works with many people but there are many medications she may have to try before she finds the right combination that will help her. Suggest to her that she also see a therapist to talk about her feelings besides a psychiatrist who just prescribes medication.

Remind her that just because she has certain feelings and compulsions doesn't mean she has to act on them.

Answer 4

As a friend, I would be there for her as much as you can. I would listen and be understanding. I don't know if offering her any advice would help unless you know exactly what she's going through. I would suggest to her that she should see a doctor to get help, maybe get medication or to talk things through. Being friends with someone who has bi-polar disorder can be hard, stressful and frustrating. If you have a big heart, just be understanding and remain calm. Check out the link, it gives more medical information on Bi Polar Disorder.

Answer 5

call this number 1-800-870-9998.its confidential.its a info referral,support line.i have bipolar and im in my 30s.im in one of the moods today when i just dont want to socialize,it sucks but i know ill get thru it.my freinds call and i dont answer the phone,its not them,its just that i dont have the energy to talk right now.i was on a manic high for the past week and im just crashing now.i take medication.i havent slept in three nights soo i called my shrink today,i think i need a med adjustment. it sounds like you are a good freind.i know for me to have someone who sticks by me no matter what helps a great deal..call that number they can give you suggestions,love&light,kathy

Answer 6

You don't need to "help" her, just be her friend and have compassion. I am bipolar, I dont' have compulsions to steal, but I do have some issues. I'm not sure why she told you as very few people know about my illness as I have chosen to keep it to 2 or 3 people, but maybe she wants you to understand her. Who knows. But you can't "fix" her.

Answer 7

Well, you can continue to be her friend. Bi-polar disorder is very common ( I have it ) and is nothing to be ashamed of. Chances are something such as Lithium ( a simple salt ) would help balance her out. however, SHE must go to a doctor to get this done.

Answer 8

Being Bi-polar is very tedious.I'm close to someone who is also.
You can help by just being there & only do what they Ask you to
do.Professional help isn't always what's needed.And by no
means call in Rescue type help. Just stay near.You may need to
explain their actions to others.Don't try to force them to change
or to take Meds.

Answer 9

a compulsion to steal indicates OCD, not a bipolar disorder.

impatience can be brought on by anything stress-related or it could be a symptom of ADD.

the desire to be alone is probably a symptom of depression.

you can't really help her. she needs a therapist.

Answer 10

She ought to like you, yet no longer understand the thanks to exhibit it, or she ought to have some preserving onto issues difficulty. She feels like she fairly favor's to have you ever as a chum, yet once you're her chum she sort of over seems and makes use of you. She likely purely needs to continually have someone there. Has she been by potential of a divorce? possibly a figure died. something that can make her sense like she did no longer have something she necessary. i imagine she needs help and probably a counselor or therapist.