Friend has bipolar disorder and is having a depressive episode...?!
Question: Friend has bipolar disorder and is having a depressive episode....?
...and I'm really worried. I really want to help him, but whenever I approach him he seems really uneasy and embarrassed. Like, for example, I know he likes to be held, but it seems like he can't relax in my arms and sometimes he pushes me away. We have been friends for a few years, and he is currently in the worst state I have ever seen him...He hurts himself sometimes by cutting and burning. He has asked me to not leave him and he wants me to help, but I'm not sure what to do. I'm so afraid of making him feel worse by doing something wrong. Has anyone ever cared for someone with bipolar and can give me some advice.?.?.? Health Question & Answer
Answers:
He really needs supervision if he's asking that you not leave. He knows how vulnerable he's becoming, and will possibly become a danger to himself and/or others (most likely to himself). Find out if he is taking any meds, and who the prescribing physician is, if he's willing to tell you. If not, find out the number to your nearest mental health center and hotline, and keep that number with you at all times, so that you have someone to contact in case of emergency or at anytime you just don't know what to do, and need to talk with someone who can advise you. That's what mental health lines are for.Health Question & Answer
Yes, my brother is bipolar and has gone to the hospital for trying to kill himself three times. The best thing you can do is give a supporting hand, that is, tell him you'll be there for him in times of trouble, even if you don't know how to comfort him. If you are really his friend, you'll be the shoulder for him to cry on.Health Question & Answer
Is your friend under a doctors care.? If not, you definitely need to help him see a doctor. People who are bi-polar often need medication to balance their mood swings. Many stop taking their meds when they feel good, thinking they are OK, but they need to stay on it to make sure they dont slip into depression again. I would suggest getting in contact with a local behavioral health clinic or caregiver support group.Health Question & Answer
maybe he needs to be on medication or have his meds adjusted. Why dont you suggest taking him to his doctor.? Bipolar is a very frustrating disorder and many people dont understand it. The best thing you can do is make sure he knows you are there for him and maybe get him to go to his doctor. Good luck!Health Question & Answer
Caring for someone who is bipolar is very difficult. Sometimes it is hard to separate the illness from the person and it can leave you feeling helpless and very frustrated. Here's a site with some info you may find helpful:
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_...
You are not going to make the disorder worse, but it sounds like he needs more support than he is getting. When he is feeling better, ask him to sit with you are make up a plan of things to do during the highs and lows. I did this with my family and found it very helpful.
Another thing you can do is find a local support group and get involved. You can usually find ones for families and friends of people who are suffering with a mental illness as well as ones your friend can attend.
Best of luck!
Health Question & Answer
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_...
You are not going to make the disorder worse, but it sounds like he needs more support than he is getting. When he is feeling better, ask him to sit with you are make up a plan of things to do during the highs and lows. I did this with my family and found it very helpful.
Another thing you can do is find a local support group and get involved. You can usually find ones for families and friends of people who are suffering with a mental illness as well as ones your friend can attend.
Best of luck!
Health Question & Answer