Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 5/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I have a friend that I found out was bipolar. He is a really good friend of mine, and the news kind of scared me. I am very worried about him. Should I be? I mean, from what I have read, it is not a good thing to have, and I hope that the suicidal stuff doesn't happen. That is what has be worried is just the fact that I don't want to loose my friend. Any advice?


-Adam.

ANSWER: Hi Adam:

You are asking what many are afraid to.  Thank you for caring enough to ask rather than assume.  You said this was a good friend of your.  This person is the very same one now he was before you knew of his bipolar disorder.  Sharing this with you showed hiss faith and confidence in your friendship.  Do not worry about your friend--he is still the same person he always has been.  

Suicide is not something that every bipolar person ends up doing.  With you knowing he is bipolar, and accepting him as the same as always, you are actually giving him support that helps keep the depression from getting to that point.  

         Joyce A. Anthony

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He had told me once that he had thought about it. I wrote him a myspace message asking him a question, and he said he had had a bipolar spell in which he got angry and then thought of running out in front of a car, and was thinking that god didn't care for him, although he is a good Very good christian. He said he got a bit curious about his myspace and read my message, and it helped him, and he felt better about his situation. I don't know how you stand, but he and I both believe god put it on me to write that message. I don't see him as the kind of person that would kill himself, but I am not an expert on bipolar, though I know of another person who has it. That is why I asked you. I have/had anxiety attacks really bad not too long ago. They have settled down (and have gone away I hope), but they had me depressed for a while. I know what it is like to be depressed, but not unwillingly. It must be hard. Well, thanks for telling me this. It helped me put my mind at ease, and I hope you are correct.

Answer
Adam:

Your friend has a couple of things in place that have shown to lessen the chances of suicide.  He has a close friend he feels comfortable talking with and he has a strong faith in God.  I believe he will be okay as long as he has you.
         Joyce A. Anthony