ok..

[Claire]

please help me....what is bi-polar?....:confused: ...hmmm...my bestmate has it &......well i want to help him...what should i do?:&

[juicy_redgirl]

It's a disorder that is characterised by shifts in mood. A person will be extremely happy and bubbly. However just one minor thing can make them very irritable. The person may also jump quickly from one thought to the next, have poor judgement, be in denial about many things, go on spending sprees.
If your friend has sought out medical help than all you can really do is be there for him.

[TARABELLE]

please.help.me....what.is.bi-polar?....:confused: ...hmmm...my.best.mate.has.it.&......well.i.want.to.help.him...what.should.i.do?:&
Hold on tight - it will be a bumpy ride judging by the people I know who love someone that's bipolar. If he can get on a good medicine regime, it might be OK.

[fulmah]

Bipolar disorder (commonly known as manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. The changes in these mood swings can happen over the course of hours, days, weeks, or months. As far as helping your friend, here’s some good tips from http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/bipolar.html#Helping (http://www.dbsalliance.org/info/bipolar.html)

One of the most important thing family and friends can do for a person with bipolar disorder is learn about the illness. Often people who are depressed or experiencing mania or mood swings do not recognize the symptoms in themselves. If you are concerned about a friend or family member, help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve helping the person to find a doctor or therapist and make their first appointment. You may also want to offer go with the person to their first appointment for support. Encourage the individual to stay with treatment. Keep reassuring the person that, with time and help, he or she will feel better.

It is also important to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the person in conversation and listen carefully. Resist the urge to function as a therapist or try to come up with answers to the person’s concerns. Often times we just want someone to listen. Do not put down feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your first invitation is refused.

It is often a good idea for the person with bipolar disorder to develop a plan should he or she experience severe manic or depressive symptoms. Such a plan might include contacting the person’s doctor, taking control of credit cards and car keys or increasing contact with the person until the severe episode has passed. Your plan should be shared with a trusted family member and/or friend. Keep in mind, however, that people with bipolar disorder, like all people, have good and bad days. Being in a bad mood one day is not necessarily a sign of an upcoming severe episode.

Never ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the person's therapist. Do not promise confidentiality if you believe someone is close to suicide. If you think immediate self-harm is possible, contact their doctor or dial 911 immediately. Make sure the person discusses these feelings with his or her doctor.

[Althea]

GREAT post, fulmah. I totally agree with everything you said. Having bipolar disorder myself, the only other advice I can give is to make sure your friend is taking his medication. When I start feeling good I sometimes say to myself "fuck it, I don't need the meds anymore".....BAD idea. A lot of people with bipolar disorder (myself included) REALLY miss the "highs" (they can make ya feel like you're on top of the world) so we stop takin' the meds to feel the "high" again. But, eventually we crash back to earth and get very depressed. I screwed up a few weeks ago (stopped takin' my meds) and everyone around me knew sumthin' was wrong with me so lately my husband has been handin' me my pill to make sure I've takin' it. I think by doing this he feels like he's helpin' out...which he is 'cause sometimes I just forget to take it.

[mariecstasy]

wow, i dont know how they figure out what is what...seems like so many of the psychological problems that are categorized all are so very alike.

[Claire]

thanks for the help...i'd type more but my laptop is broken so have to cut & paste lots:& ...he's got worse...we're going to see him this weekend will keep you informed...thanks again so much:) much lovexxxxxx

[Claire]

thanks for the help...i'd type more but my laptop is broken so have to cut & paste lots:& ...he's got worse...we're going to see him this weekend will keep you informed...thanks again so much:) much lovexxxxxxhe got sectioned tonight (section 2...28 days) :( ...am setting off to meet his mum & one of his other friends tomorrow... we're gonna visit him in hospital...x