I think someone close to me might have a problem
and I want to approach it the right way, rather than offend them.

But it's OK, I wasn't *forcing* anyone to Gaz me.
(Northern Lovely, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:04, archived)

a quick google will tell you all you need, if they are bi polar it should be bloody obvious

( mongychops, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:06, archived)

It's not as simple as that, I have tried Google but it's hard to match it up
I thought someone on here might be able to help, and indeed I've had some really helpful advice on what to do.

I wasn't sure what the extremes of bipolarity are, and no, it's not obvious to me. Sorry.
(Northern Lovely, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:09, archived)

it would be to a good doctor tho
if your friend is not seeking help there is little you can do, unless they are suicidal, then you may have a chance to get them sectioned
( mongychops, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:12, archived)

Yeah, I know, and I appreciate your thoughts.

(Northern Lovely, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:19, archived)

you'd think so
it's actually pretty difficult to get someone sectioned
( Gilgamesh gazed in wonder as Frampton came alive, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:20, archived)

well yeah, but it is easy to get them refered to a clinic, at least it is round here

( mongychops, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:25, archived)

See if you'd just said this...
If you think your friend has a problem, I would take a step back and try and work out if meddling is going to help. If you're feeling low, maybe you don't want someone in your business. As their friend, I would suggest simply making yourself as avaiable as possible to your mate, offering a beer or a coffee whenever they need it.
( Bats, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:07, archived)

You could kill 2 birds with one stone by only ever offering them caffeinated beer.
Efficiency is your bed fellow on the road to well-being.
( Malaka omdz, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:08, archived)

good going there
offer a depressant or a stimulant, maybe some speed balling into the vein too
( mongychops, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:09, archived)

So I didn't think the settings through too well.
That wasn't my point and you know it.
( Bats, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:21, archived)

:) thanks, it's not a friend it's a close relative but the idea's the same.
See, I've tried all the regular stuff, going shopping, to a movie, out for dinner but they are getting less and less involved and more and more 'down'. They only have me and I feel a great responsibility. I think they'd freak out if I got a Doctor involved.

I've heard St John's Wort can help lift the mood so I might broach this with him in some way.
(Northern Lovely, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:11, archived)

Honestly, just tell them to 'get a fucking grip'

( Malaka omdz, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:18, archived)

That stuff helped a mate, but did fuck all for me.

( G/PP 💩💩💩💩💩&#128, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:27, archived)

See what you need to do is
grab them by the collar, touch noses and shout "SNAP OUT OF IT YOU EMO CUNT OR I'L PUNCH YOUR FUCKING FACE OFF!"
See? Told you I could help.
( Captn Hood-Butter is not dead yet., Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:10, archived)

It'll probably be better to leave them alone to wallow in self-loathing. They'll probably come round eventually, so let them know your there throughout but without pushing them too much.
( Edd: The Unfunny Try-Hard Edgelord, Wed 24 Jun 2009, 12:14, archived)