Dealing with Bipolar or manic depression?

Question

I have a friend who I have become rather fond of online (don't know them in person) and we have talked numerous times and it's been wonderful but there are those times when they get paranoid and literally start accusing me of being a cop have complained about celebrities stalking them and all kinds of illogical things. I read these are common symptoms of the bipolar /manic depression disorder.

I know that the majority will say I need to drop this friend because they could be dangerous but my heart doesn't think that's right. We aren't going to meet or anything they are just more or less venting and need an ear and someone who isn't abandoning them like they feel their family has.

I am not attached to this person but I want to be sensitive to their condition without enabling them to be abusive to me. I rather not hurt them but it's coming down to my own sanity vs. theirs.

I hope this makes sense it's hard to follow I know.

Answer 1

It's laudable you want to help this friend but you should draw a line that you won't accept personal abuse, even if s/he apologizes profusely after an outburst.

You appear to already know the answer when you say it comes down to your sanity versus theirs. There is sometimes only so much we can do to help people with their issues. It's entirely fair for you to say to this person - I want to listen and help you as much as possible, but not if you XXXXXXXXX.

Good luch

Answer 2

It hurts sometimes to be "labelled" with these definitions when one has bipolar disorder, such as myself. Before I was treated professionally, yes, I probably behaved "irrationally". However, hearing it from a total stranger doesn't make the hurt feel any less....

I wouldn't drop this friend just like that. This person is not going to harm you. If anything, this person needs professional help and soon. He/she is obviously not on any medication yet, but should be. If you have to say something to this person to get them to stop being abusive to you, just tell him/her straight out. If it hurts the other person, tough. You tell that person that they have no right (illness or not) to be abusive to you. Why would you waste your time talking with them then? You have a life and better things to do.

Perhaps this will make the person think twice about behaving that way towards you again. If it doesn't work, don't go online with them anymore.

Answer 3

Coming from a person who has the same issues it can be hard to drop a person like that. For your sanity it is best to. If you do not want to do that just brush off what they say when you know they are not acting logically. Sometimes, when you would think about it when you feel normal you would even agree that there is no logic to the thought you feel right now but when you are having a manic or depressive episode even the most random and illogical ideas can make perfect sense.

Best thing to do is to either drop the person or to keep your own mind straight and to just brush off the random thoughts. Do not discredit what they say, but you dont have to act like you believe it either.

Answer 4

Okay, well this person needs to see a psychiatrist as the paranoia doesnt sound as though it is going to go away anytime soon without treatment.