a very good friend of mine complains all the time that she doesn't feel like she is herself...or something like that...she says she wants to change like get a haircut, go on a diet, work out, sleep more- live healthy, but never gets around to it (although i can see nothing wrong with her when we talk about other stuff). says she feels like a total outsider all the time, and nothing seems to make her happy or interest her. i am worried, sometimes she gets very slow as if all her enery is drained out..and sometimes she's all happy and outgoing is this some kind of disorder? and what can i do to help?
2006-07-30 05:50:41 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It could be a major depressive disorder, but it sounds much more like dysthymia. (Note: in response to other answers, this does not resemble bipolar disorder.)
2006-07-30 06:00:45 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It could be several things. But a counselor will need to know more about her: Is this a new pattern of behavior? Has she been like this for a long, long time? Do you see mood swings that change quickly?
On one hand, it appears that she may be starting to experience minor depression (symptoms: nothing interests her, wants to sleep more, is not motivated to make changes, lethargy). But when you mentioned that there are times when she's "all happy and outgoing" it could signal a manic episode. Manic depression is now commonly referred to as bipolar disorder.
In any case, she could benefit from counseling. There, it will be determined if she could benefit from medication and therapy.
Sometimes, just slight changes in her lifestyle can make drastic improvements. Exercise, talk therapy/counseling, diet.
Encourage your friend to see a counselor. It doesn't have to mean a person is mentally ill. Everyone benefits from a third party listening to problems and offering guidance. What do you think this is when people go on Yahoo! Answers? We all need a friendly ear.
You are a good friend to be concerned. She is lucky to have you on her side. :)
2006-07-30 13:01:05 · answer #2 · answered by hope03 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds similar to the way I feel sometimes although I don't feel any need about the appearance thing. My kids know I'm feeling this way when I ask for a where/when time check and ask for the last 10 or so presidents and prime ministers. We all have a good laugh, see if we can do and then get on with life.
But you and she may just want to check it out at a public health clinic just in case.
2006-07-30 12:58:19 · answer #3 · answered by St N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it would be very early to label that mood as manic depressive disorder or depression. it might be a temporary neurotic mood change for some reason. i mean to say that there must be a reason to make her feel like that; maybe a seperation, moving somewhere else, failing at exams or school, etc. or any kind of big change or dissapointment in her life, i dont know.
i hope she will feel better soon.
2006-07-30 13:05:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two possibilities.Either Physics or Psyche. Get her proper medical examination to discover any physical ailment or disability. If there is an ailment it has to be treated by a competent physician. The other option is to seek professional help of a psychiatrist or a psycho-analyst and provide her necessary help or counseling.
2006-07-30 12:57:55 · answer #5 · answered by openpsychy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though she is suffering from manic-depressive disorder(serious mood swings). She should see a doctor as soon as possible. There are excellent medications that will help her. IF this is her problem, her mood swings will get just get worse and worse if left untreated. This will lead to extreme behaviors, that could include suicide. Try to get her some help!
2006-07-30 12:59:36 · answer #6 · answered by 2307Connie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the info you provided my best guess is YES. Your friend could be bi-polar or have a pretty hefty anxiety disorder, either way I would advise referring her to a doctor ASAP, these are things that can really interfere with your life on par with say diabetes
2006-07-30 12:56:22 · answer #7 · answered by Dr. Noodle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well its never easy to diagnose on the basis of one little description. Look on a Webb site called MIND its based in the UK
but has loads of information regarding mental health. Definitely ask her to seek help and continue to be a good Friendx http://www.mind.org.uk/
2006-07-30 13:01:15 · answer #8 · answered by churchls0904 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like depression, some alienation going on. She does need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist on this one. The distress and depression won't likely go away on their own.
2006-07-30 12:55:37 · answer #9 · answered by Babs 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like it could be something like bi-polar disorder. She needs to go to the doctor!
2006-07-30 12:54:48 · answer #10 · answered by Sherrie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋