A very good friend of mine seems to be suffering from mental illness(most likely bipolar dis). But I am not sure if he is diagnosed and is on any treatment. And I have known that they can be very sensetive and it may trigger them. So, what should I do and approach my friend. His mood swings are terrible. I don't want to ignore him because of this. I want to help him.
2007-02-13 23:29:36 · 8 answers · asked by r s 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
People often assume the people who are 'bipolar' have wild mood swings, jumping from 'manic' to 'depressive' at the drop of a hat. This isn't the case - the flip takes months at a time, so if your friend is 'moody' he probably doesn't have manic depression. I've got a close family member who has suffered with manic depression for over 20 years.
There really is no way to tell what he suffers from, if anything - there are so many different mental illnesses with so many similar symptoms. You'd be best to just ask him why he appears to be a little sensitive sometimes. Try not to sound accusatory - be friendly and explain the you care and wanted to know if there was anything you could do to help. If he does react badly, keep your cool and give him some space - but keep telling him that you care. Good luck and best wishes to your friend.
2007-02-14 00:01:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you assume the diagnosis, you should do your research on bipolar disorder. It's actually pretty controversial..because the "behavior" that supposedly defines bipolar disease can easily be mistaken for another illness..not only that, but some see it unfit to consider it a mental illness for people to have mood swings or have a high temper. Approaching your friend telling him that you think he might have a mental illness may just be the last thing he wants to hear, and that'll push his temper even more. What you can do to help, since its obvious that you feel like you're walking on eggshells with him, is not say or do anything that might anger or upset him. If it gets to the point where he blows up on you for the littlest things, then you can call him out on it..by saying that his temper is outta control. Instead of a diagnosis for bipolar disorder and some medication, maybe all your friend needs is anger management.
2007-02-14 07:37:22 · answer #2 · answered by Kim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a friend then approach the parents abotu it. Some don't want to admit those things. IF the parents ignore iy you should talk to a counselor at your school. That type of illness can be violent when not controlled. You are a good friend.
2007-02-14 07:33:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sound like a really good friend! Just aproach your friend showing concern and care. Explain that you are worried and will stand by them all the way. Tell your friend you will keep it confidential and are just trying to help! then get to the subject of seeing a doctor and suggest going with them for extra support. Just show your feelings and your friend will trust you. I hope this helps! Good luck! Your friend is lucky to have you x
2007-02-14 07:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by Conkys Mummy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It looks like you are in a bad spot.
He's the one who's going to have to decide to get help. But you could try writing a letter detailing what you've seen. Try not to be accusing. Not that I'm worried about that, given what you just said.
But after you've told him your concerns, he will have to make the choice. You aren't his parent.
Good luck.
2007-02-14 10:24:16 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Asking a question like this in a forum like this is ...unwise at best, and potentially dangerous. You'd be better seeking answers in a more appropriate venue. Good luck.
2007-02-14 07:34:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask him to try going to mental health or a physician.There is Medication that they can prescribe like lithium or Paxil or zoloff and newer medications.Bipolar can be unpredictable and very
scary to him and every one he comes in contact with
2007-02-14 08:46:15 · answer #7 · answered by Frank B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go talk to a doctor or someone and don't ignore just always aproach him gently and with another person so yur not by yur self
2007-02-14 07:38:18 · answer #8 · answered by joe m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋