Comments

1. Irisheyes Said,

   Hi
   Well, I would talk with her and tell
   her that depression is something she can't
   help. She isn't herself if she is depressed,
   there are many different kinds of medicine
   that will treat her depression and will make
   her like new again. I know because that was
   me. When a doctor tells her it's not her fault
   its' chemical and she just needs to get them
   balanced. He will say I can help you feel better and he will. Good Luck and thanks for
   being such a good friend, she needs you.

   IrisheyesReferences :

2. santino1932 Said,

   talk to her straight, and if she gets worse n does see any1 tell her family, she could hurt herself.References :

3. Livi Lou Said,

   You could tell her about the 1800 suicide hot line. Maybe call them yourself to see what you could do for her. I don't like prescription drugs either so I know what she means.

   Finding a way to express yourself through other means other than words might help. Maybe drawing or gardening.References :

4. Monica Said,

   It is very important that you talk to her honestly about whatever she has confided in you about this. Do not go to anyone else or threaten to. Since you are the only person she has been able to reach out to, it is now up to you to guide her to get professional help. Manic Depression can get dangerous very quickly because someone in that state is constantly dwelling on the negatives of their own life as well as the negatives in the world surrounding them. As you can imagine with all this negativity it will at some point become an easy and even correct feeling to end their own life. I speak from experience having lived with depression most of my life. If she trusted you enough to be honest with you, she is ready for help, but not yet ready to admit this to anyone else. Just be patient, supportive and honest. Good Luck.References :

5. Eric H Said,

   The great tragedy with manic-depressives is that they can't accurately judge what's going on with them.

   Unfortunately, you can't help her unless and until she realizes she needs help.

   You can talk with her, but realize that she's not going to seek treatment.

   As for telling someone, I don't know – her close friends and family probably already know and you'd be risking a friendship that could prove critical later on.References :

6. LyssaLady Said,

   talking about someone's mental illness withjust anyone isn't a good idea. I've had people treat me like some sort of charity case because they believed I needed simpathy and that I needed someone to talk to me like a baby, just because someone spoke of my illness. Be careful.

   If you are really worried about her health maybe you could go with her to a doctor's appointment so she won't be alone and intimidated. I've done that before with someone very mentally ill. Plus there is plenty of medication she can take that doesn't make her feel drowsy and change her personality. She should tell her doctor that she doesn't like feeling drugged up and would like to try other meds. There have been countless times I have gone back to the doctor because I didn't like the side effects until I found the right one. There is no hurt in trying then trying again.

   If she doesn't treat it now, she will have a hardtime in school in the future. I went untreated for 7 years and I missed highschool and part of college dealing with mental disability and not enjoying life.

   -best of luck
   AlyssaReferences :

7. Cassie T Said,

   Bipolar doesn't always end with doom and gloom. I know several unmedicated bipolar people who are high-functioning and happy. They work hard at it.

   But some people do better on meds. She is the ONLY person who can make that call, and you telling someone else isn't going to do anything. No one can force her to take meds. All it will do is break her trust in you.

   Let her make up her own mind. It's HER mind, and only she understands its ups and downs.

   - A Functional, Unmedicated BipolarReferences :

8. gotta luv da Li Said,

   Talk to her honestly about what you are feeling. She is a close enough friend to share this info, so you probably have a pretty tight and honest relationship. It doesn't make sense to start keeping secrets and holding back how you feel now.

   When you talk, share what you learned and how you feel. Don't interrogate or be judgmental, however, that doesn't mean you can't ask why she's making her choices. You also have to know that this is her choice and you can't make it for her. The other thing that would be good to discuss is what she wants you to do if she becomes suicidal or goes manic. These will happen, and when they do big time, poof goes the secret. Anyway, getting her to think about a plan and how it would effect you might get her to think a little more.

   So you know, many with bipolar have to go unmedicated in a form of denial for a while. How long 'a while' is depends on the person. As long as she's not self-medicating, she's more apt to seek treatment sooner rather than later.

   And… she entrusted you with personal information. Unless sharing the info with others is necessary for your friend's health, then don't. There is a huge stigma, and the violation you would make by talking could well be irreparable.References : I have bipolar

9. agsf a Said,

   1. its not proven to be degenerative
   2. if she doesnt obviously need it, she shouldnt have to take medication
   3. she told you because she trusts you, dont go talk with others about itReferences :