I have no idea how some acts when they are having a manic episode, but I think my friend might be. She's going off about some things that aren't really that serious. How do I get her to calm down without thinking making her madder? I know she's been diagnosed with a few disorders, and I don't think she's taken her medication.
2006-12-23 17:54:52 · 4 answers · asked by Becca 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Someone having a manic episode is in high gear. Kind of like someone on meth or speed, but without the drugs. They get talkative, animated, happy, angry, industrious, all with equal zest, and sometimes rapidly changing.
It's very common for a manic-depressive (bipolar is the more common term now) to NOT take their pills. Being "up" feels good to them, and they don't want that to be leveled out, so they ignore taking their medication. Then the next time their "down" cycle hits, they're an abysmal mess. It's one of the worst mental illnesses that I think a person can have, because it messes you up so badly, and you're pretty much defenseless against it.
Stay calm and just answer your friend minimally so you don't set her off any more than she is. If you know her parents or roomies, see if you can talk to them about helping her take her meds. She may hate you for it depending on the day, hour, and phase of the moon, but you'll be doing something to try to help her, and she's not receptive right now. Good luck with her. Please be aware that it can be VERY difficult to stay friends with a bipolar, and if she drops you, it's likely not anything that you did.
Happy Holidays!
2006-12-23 18:17:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Every person is unique. There is no set way to determine if someone is having a manic episode. Do you believe she is? I would just try talking. Try to think about something happy. Though if she starts to get violent (some people do), then you determine if it's time to intervene and get her some more help. If she is not taking her medication, this is NOT good. Just be straightforward and ask. If not, ask why. And if she refuses, determine if you need to intervene. It's HARD, but try not to think about ruining a friendship. If she needs help, she needs help. I'm not sure if this helps, but I hope so.
2006-12-23 18:00:52 · answer #2 · answered by theshootergirl 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
well, mania shows up in people in different ways. Some people go on shopping sprees, some clean, some gamble, some exhibit violent behavior, etc. If she is truly manic you probably won't be able to calm her down. When she is no so much so, make sure she sees her MD and takes her meds.
2006-12-23 18:11:54 · answer #3 · answered by Prickly P 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If they try to kill you.
2006-12-23 18:01:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 8⤋