Anyone with Bi Polar disorder...can you help...?!
Question: My friend thinks she has bi polar disorder but will not get help..can you tell me how to help her...as well as what your symptoms and changes in personality were when you wern't on meds...and how you knew you needed help...thanks!
Answers: My friend thinks she has bi polar disorder but will not get help..can you tell me how to help her...as well as what your symptoms and changes in personality were when you wern't on meds...and how you knew you needed help...thanks!
If your friend has bipolar disorder, she needs help from a doctor and that's that. This isn't something she should deal with on her own. You can help her by urging her to see a doctor and being there for her when she's not feeling well. It's going to be a challenge, so I hope you're up to it!
Just try to remain neutral and reassure her that everything will be ok. If she's manic, do your best to calm her down and help her make good decisions, as her thinking will probably be a little reckless. If she's depressed, she'll need a shoulder to cry on and will need to be reassured.
How was I when I wasn't on meds? Ooh, baby... it was scary. I had it pretty bad. Let's put it this way... I was certain that someone I met on the bus was going to come to my apartment and steal my brown acrylic sweater. I was ready to beat them with a baseball bat when they tried! There are several problems here: I don't ride the bus, I don't live in an apartment, I don't own a baseball bat, and who cares about a $20 sweater? I also thought that pictures of aliens in a book were reading my thoughts. Throughout this ordeal, I was suicidal and was running up a credit card bill like nobody's business. I had problems taking care of myself (bathing, eating, cleaning) and had hallucinations (visual, auditory, and tactile.) I couldn't sleep for days and I had to constantly pace. But like I said, I had it pretty bad.
On the manic side, she'll probably experience racing thoughts, be restless, and have more confidence than usual, to the point of feeling "untouchable." Basically, she'll feel full of energy and won't have a care in the world, to the point of being unreasonable.
When she's depressed, she'll probably experience feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and apathy. She may have changes in her appetite or sleep schedule. She may think about killing or hurting herself, or may be preoccupied by the morose in general.
She may also experience what is called a "mixed state", which is just like it sounds. She will be experiencing symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. You *really* need to watch her during these times, as she is at a higher risk of committing suicide. Believe me, they're h-ll on earth!
If she is bipolar, she should seriously consider meds. Some people do ok without them, but they can be a lifesaver for many. The side effects can be pretty nasty, but sometimes the pros outweigh the cons. She should also consider getting some therapy and joining a support group.
Like I said before, this isn't something she should try to deal with on her own... But there is hope, and I'm living proof, lol. Good luck! :)
When I was in the position your friend is in now, the only person who I would listen to about taking meds, was another bipolar person.
Therefore, tell your friend I'm bipolar, and I say taking meds is the right choice.
Tell your friend to talk to a therapist and doctor. Has she been taking drugs at all? Prescriptions? Sudden changes in behavior, sleep, diet, etc?
Either way, go talk to a therapist. Or your health teacher.
Symptoms:
Mood swings from jovial and talkative to silence and irritability. The intensity of the symptoms can vary.
Your friend should be diagnosed and treated by a qualified health care professional.
Medication can control the disease.