personality disorder?

Question

My best friend has been acting weird lately. She's usually a happy, energetic person but for the last few weeks she's like a totally different person. She's quiet and keeps to herself, especially when in social situations. When addressed by someone she doesn't normally talk to, she gets nervous and stutters and looks all fidgety. When we hang out with a small group of super close friends, she's fine but otherwise she's totally quiet. I tried asking her what was wrong, but she avoided me, and I swear her eyes starting watering. I'm really concerned. Is it a personality disorder? What'll help her?

She's 14, I'm sure nothing major like death or anything has happened, but yeah something's definately wrong.

Answer 1

The short answer is yes, something is going on.

I'm not a mental health professional but I can tell you she could be going through depression or social anxiety or some kind of phobia or simply has had a bad experience lately. Observe her, focus on finding a pattern and just be there for her and listen.

How old is she? Has a major life event happened to her recently? You can ask her parents and tell them you are worried about her. If you feel it's something serious, just speak to a social worker or a psychologist to get their opinion.

Best of luck

EDIT: OK at 14 allot of things can happen to you and might make you feel alone and helpless. Make sure she knows she can talk to you. If things don't change over time AND she has a GOOD relationship with her parents, mention it to them. They should know.

Answer 2

She does not appear to be displaying symptoms of a personality disorder. Most personality disorders have to do with people wanting attention and having to be the center of attention. It does not sound like your friend is trying to get attention. She could be depressed, but then again, it could just be hormones. I would encourage her to speak to her parents or a school counselor. You could say something to her parents, but you would be risking her becoming mad at you if you did. Most of all, though, try to be a supportive friend and see if you can get her to be involved in some fun activities and see if that cheers her up.

Answer 3

doesnt sound like a personality disorder, sounds like depression. If her behavior has changed suddenly and you've known her for awhile then it seems more likely that something has happened in her life that is bothering her. perhaps its something that she doesnt feel comfortable bringing up like a family problem, health problem, etc.
the best thing you can do as a friend is make sure that she knows you are there for her. tell her that you would be happy to listen to her if she needed to vent. make yourself available but dont be pushy. when she's ready then she will talk to you. then when you get that chance, hear her out. listen first without judgement. sometimes people feel like they have to deal with things on their own and dont realize that they can get assistance from friends. maybe just making it available to her will make her open up.

Answer 4

It sounds to me like something has happened, an event.

Get her alone and let her know your aware of something going on and see what she has to say, if she has something serious to say, listen. If it is serious in that her parents need to know, tell them. Your not going to be much use as a friend if you have "kid secrets" and not tell her parents as they are there to help her morseso than you or anyone else, so, understand that.

If she is not going to talk to you, go directly to her parents and tell them how she is acting. You owe her that much, as a friend.

Answer 5

That sounds exactly like me and my friends. I suggest you support her and be kind perhaps touch her gently and ask her what is wrong.