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my friend has bipolar how can i help her

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Posted 8/3/2009 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
how can i help my friend who has bipolar all i have done so far is listen when she needs it dont worry about any of her quiet modes etc
Posted 8/4/2009 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
first of all, please do not desert her. i have other illnesses. too, but ive lost almost all my friends. i know you can only do so much, but please try to continue to be her friend. try to educate yourself as much as possible so youll know what to expect. shes got to do her part too, by getting medical attention and always taking her meds. good luck and bset wishes to both of you!
Posted 8/4/2009 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Rack,
Listening to your friend is a great step and I'm so glad to hear that you want to help your friend. She's probably scared and confused among other things.

Let her know that you are there for her in good times and in bad. But also let her know that she needs to take care of herself. That means taking her meds, going to therapy, etc. That is the deal I now have with my husband who suffers from BP. If he doesn't keep up his end, then I don't have to keep up mine (which is to be there and support him). Also let her know that although BP is a lifelong condition it is managable. Many people use the comparison of diabetes since they both need daily medication for the rest of your life and that no matter how compliant you are, there is always a chance an episode can happen. You should also learn as much as you can about BP and the medications that go along with managing it. Read about warning signs.

But most importantly, let her know that you care about her, will support her, and are willing to talk to her about it whenever she wants. I guess in a nutshell it's learn all you can from reliable sources (see the top of the discussion page for links) and continue to be a good friend.

BPWife

p.s. oh yeah and tell her about HW! There are lots of people here who are BP as well as loved ones who suffer from BP that can probably help both of you.
Posted 8/5/2009 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Rack,

You rock. You're hear, looking for ways to help her, and that's way more than most friends would do. Thank you for that, on behalf of most of us here (I'd bet.)

Listening is SO important, so as long as you can stand it, keep it up. Keep telling her she's not crazy, keep encouraging her to take her meds, get to her doc appointments, discourage her from using drugs or alcohol if you can. And just try and be a loving friend. Those are SO rare for people with BP. I can't even tell you. If she's really trusting, you can offer to go to appointments if she needs some support, but that's really above and beyond. I like that someone said to tell her about this site. That's a great idea.

Thanks for joining in. Hope to see you back!
serafena
Posted 8/11/2009 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
youve already done so much just by posting here to get help. i cant tell you how much already says about the kind of friend u r. i wish i haqd a friend like you. if you do whAT THE OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED you will have been a huge help to your friend. good luck to both of you and God bless you for seeking help for your friend!
Posted 8/13/2009 10:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi rack,

 

Welcome to healingwell. 

 

I think you are a wonderful friend! blush

 

My idea is for you to get this book and read it together with your friend.  It is an easy read and you can hop around to different chapters that best suits you & your friend's need.  It doesn't have to be read in any special order although reading the whole book helps tremendously in understanding & living with someone who has bipolar.  It is great learning for both of you!

 

"The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know

by David J. Miklowitz

Best wishes!  smurf

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