How can I help my friend who I think has bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is an illness which affects the normal functioning of the brain, so that the person experiences extreme moods - they can become high, over-excited and reckless, or imagine that they are more important or influential than they actually are. They can also become extremely low, feeling helpless and depressed, with difficulty making decisions or concentrating.

Bipolar disorder I is the more severe disorder, with the person being more likely to experience mania, have longer 'highs', be more likely to have psychotic experiences (that include delusions and hallucinations) and be more likely to be hospitalised. Bipolar disorder II is diagnosed when a person experiences the symptoms of a high, or “hypomania”, but with no psychotic experiences.

A person experiencing hypomania can have high energy levels with the person feeling “wired”, with racing thoughts and rapid speech, racing from one plan to another and sleeping less. They can have a positive mood in which they feel confident, capable, optimistic, and creative. They can also feel irritable and impatient. They can display inappropriate behaviour – spending, drinking or gambling excessively, and acting impulsively. They can feel as if they are creatively excelling, or have special ‘mystical’ experiences.

Your friend does sound as if he is experiencing these sorts of symptoms, and I can understand how frustrating it is for you that he is refusing your help at this time. What you can do though is explain to him that you are concerned about him, and why, and provide him with some information – a link to a website, a pamphlet, or a book – that you think may be relevant. Let him know you are there to support him, and if at any time he would like to seek professional help, that you are available to assist him with this.

Be aware that some people with bipolar disorder can become suicidal, and if your friend begins to indicate that he is thinking in this manner, it is important that you take this seriously and make sure he is seen, assessed and treated by whatever mental health team or facility is available in your area.