Okay, here's the deal:
I'm not bipolar.
But my best friend in the world is. I don't know how this is going to work long term.
Last night she had a "down" swing. I stayed strong for her while I was with her. I always do. But then I started thinking about whether I am really strong enough to be a friend to her. I thought about it so long, it triggered a "down" swing in me - by this afternoon, everything was hopeless. Life sucked. I said and thought a whole bunch of things I didn't mean, and cried a whole lot. I am most likely clinically depressed (I know I'm not bipolar, because I'm never manic!) - I just need to find a good therapist and some $$ to get officially diagnosed.
Besides the obvious problem (i.e. both of us being down at the same time!), I am really worried that I am not going to be able to be a friend to her. I love this person to pieces - she is the first real friend I've ever had (other than my husband!). She says I'm one of the first real friends she's ever had, and I'm in her life because I can "handle" her.
Yes, I can handle her. But I am scared that one day I'm not going to be able to. That I really don't have what it takes to be a friend to someone who is bipolar. It's hard enough as it is, without dealing with my own emotional "demons."
So, I am looking for advice from those of you who are bipolar. How can your loved ones be good friends to you? If you could tell your closest friends and family members how you want to be treated and what you need from them, what would you say? I'm here to listen to you, and to (hopefully!) get some advice.
I'm not bipolar.
But my best friend in the world is. I don't know how this is going to work long term.
Last night she had a "down" swing. I stayed strong for her while I was with her. I always do. But then I started thinking about whether I am really strong enough to be a friend to her. I thought about it so long, it triggered a "down" swing in me - by this afternoon, everything was hopeless. Life sucked. I said and thought a whole bunch of things I didn't mean, and cried a whole lot. I am most likely clinically depressed (I know I'm not bipolar, because I'm never manic!) - I just need to find a good therapist and some $$ to get officially diagnosed.
Besides the obvious problem (i.e. both of us being down at the same time!), I am really worried that I am not going to be able to be a friend to her. I love this person to pieces - she is the first real friend I've ever had (other than my husband!). She says I'm one of the first real friends she's ever had, and I'm in her life because I can "handle" her.
Yes, I can handle her. But I am scared that one day I'm not going to be able to. That I really don't have what it takes to be a friend to someone who is bipolar. It's hard enough as it is, without dealing with my own emotional "demons."
So, I am looking for advice from those of you who are bipolar. How can your loved ones be good friends to you? If you could tell your closest friends and family members how you want to be treated and what you need from them, what would you say? I'm here to listen to you, and to (hopefully!) get some advice.