How does my bipolar friend manage professionally?
I have a new friend. He told me in the beginning of our friendship that he is bipolar. I didn’t believe him until some recent events and some online investigation on bipolar behavior convinced me that he really is. However, he is in a profession where he needs to behave rationally and politely with people or he would have no job at all. Yet he has maintained this job for many many years. I want to be friends with this person and not bail out on them because of a mental illness, but yet I don’t want to be manipulated either. How do I do this and maintain my own sanity.
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People with bipolar disorder can function normally as long as they are consistent with their medication. Unfortunately, some people start feeling better when they take their meds, and think they can quit because they feel better. That’s when they have problems. You can help by asking if he is taking his meds correctly if you notice him acting out of character. I have a cousin who is bipolar and she has a professional job, you would never know she has it because she takes her meds as directed.
grow up. just because they’re bipolar doesn’t mean they’re bouncing off the walls and a danger to society. if i was them i would cut yo azz outta mah life FOREVER.
Manipulativeness is not a characterisitc of bipolar disorder. It can be difficult to deal with but, if your friend has maintained this job for many years, he probably is very good at managing his problems with medication. I know a lot of bipolar people and have maintained friendships with several of them for over a decade. You just have to keep in mind it IS a real illness and it is way worse for him than it is for you. It really helps if you don’t take his angry episodes personally, if that is an issue.