How do I help a friend who has bipolar depression?

A friend of mine has been going through some hard times and was recently diagnosed with bipolar depression. This means that some days he is active and able to do lots of things, but other days he doesn't have the will to get out of bed, much less do anything productive.

Anyway, he recently moved back to the area and is now living kind of close to me (30 mins. driving). He doesn't have many other friends in the area, and his illness keeps him from getting out very much and meeting new people. So, in many ways I feel as though I am his only source of friendship now. Also, it's really difficult to stay in touch with him. When he is depressed, he won't answer e-mails or telephone calls, much less return messages.

In some ways I feel like I can't do much because if I can't talk to him and hang out, how can I continue to be friends with him? But I also feel that, as a friend, I should stick with him through the hard times and do my best to help.

What can I do to help my friend?

Biopolar disorder is serious business, and can lead to suicide. My uncle had it. My advice is to make sure that your friend is getting the medical help he needs, and that he takes his perscription drugs, if you can. They often don't like to take the medicine because they like the highs or durring the highs they think they are fine so they don't take it. Biopolar is not one that is easy to fight on your own.

Just keep doing what you are doing. I would imagine that continued issolation would not be good for your friend. Invite him to things that you go to: parties, holiday events, heck!, take him grocery shopping with you. He's got to get his groceries sometime. ;) But, the thirty minute drive might make it difficult. An occasional party might be doable though. If nothing else, he will know that you care about him if you keep trying to communicate with him. You may catch him on one of his up days.

Be positive and be funny and active.Some times when people are busy they are not as negative.It also depends on the person if they want to change.

My first question for you would be what kind of medical support your friend is getting and/or seeking.

I am the parent of a bipolar teenager and can tell you that medication for my child is the difference in having a reasonable person in my home and a teen that is like PMS on steroids!!

Depression and bipolar really have to be treated a bit differently, but even if your friend has no medical benefits, the county or state mental health department should be able to assist him with getting the help he needs.

Properly assisted, your friend can begin to function and feel whole. He is lucky to have someone as concerned for him as you are.

Learn as much as you can about the mental illness and suport him/her by being there for them when they need somone to talk to. Also keep a list of resources for this person if they are going over the edge and need professional help. Gett into support groups for friend and families with Bi-polar. It takes a toll on you too.
best of luck
Autumn

The best thing you can do for your friend is what you are doing. Be there for him and let him know you are there for him. During those times when he won't answer the phone and stuff, go to his house and let him that someone really does care for him. A lot of times, us bipolar people won't reach out for help, but in the long run we are very thankful when the help just shows up.
Always remember too, that no matter how small and trivial something might seem to you, if it makes your friend upset or sad or whatever, it is a very real problem for him. My husband sometimes forgets and he will be like "It's not a big deal, you only dropped a cup. Why are you so upset? " I am just using that as an example, but the point is even though for him it isn't a big deal, for some reason it is a very big deal for me. You might not always understand why little things make your friend upset, but you don't have to totally understand. Just listen to your friend when he wants to talk and don't be judgmental and don't try to fix everything for him. Somethings don't need to be fixed, just worked through.
Also, when your friend is one of his clear moods, talk to him about getting help to control it. Bipolar can get much worse if left untreated and it could do it at a fast rate.
Whenever you are trying to be someone's support system, make sure you have your own support system. Bipolar people can sometimes be very draining. If you are unable to take care of yourself, then you will have nothing to give to your friend.
Take a look at this website: www.bipolar.com. It has some helpful advice and good info about the disorder.

It's great that you are concerned for your friend. The best thing that you can do for him is what you are doing. The worst thing about bi polar suffers is the roller-coaster that they are constantly on with their emotions.
My advice to you would just be there and support him as much as you can.
Good luck to you and best wishes