I have a friend who's been having really bad ups and downs all year. She's fine one minute and the next she feels all depressed for no reason at all.She just starts feeling bad. This has been going on for a year now and it hasn't stoped. She started seeing a therapist but had to quit because she was a ***** and is going to look for another one. But in the meantime, how can I help? What is a person supposed to do in these cases?Any suggestions?

She doesn't sound bipolar then. Possibly general depression, or she could be struggling with a particuarly overwhelming issue....I got really anti social and depressed when I first was homeschooled and all of my best friends happened to move away, for example.

Smoking hash is definitely not a solution, make her go out with you or other people ( not too many or it can be too much) whose company she enjoys and do something new or something that's a familiar comfort activity.

Maybe she can take up an art form, something creative and inspiring...?

She should see a counselor or someone again, because she can't cope with this herself or with the good intentioned yet unproffesional advice from friends.

hmmm, I can't think of anything else... I feel like "Dear Annie" ladies.

I'll explain further about my friend.

When I said she had ups and downs I ment that one minute she's ok(just ok, not full of energy or anything but feeling ok) and the next she starts crying for absolutely no reason. Also she recurs to smoking hash to try to escape from feeling so bad, wich obviously doesn't work because when the effect passes she feels worse than she felt before.

She's also become incredibly "anti-social" and never wants to go out, she has to be forced by friends. All she feels like doing is being at home reading, sleeping and things of the sort.

She's also become extremely(too much) sensitive, she get's upset very easily and starts crying for any reason.

Well that's all I can think of now. Tell me what you think. Thanks everyone

Yeah. Too bad there's really no cure.

Many of my non immediate family members are bipolar, it sounds like your friend may be too. Let's see what I can rattle off...

When she is up, does she have tons of energy, and seem like she's flying along? Does she suddenly get interested in something and obssess over it until a bout of depression kicks in? Does she do anything excessively such as shop when she's high? Does she rage or become reclusive and listless when she is low? Also, all the bipolar folks I know are extremely intelligent, though I'm not sure if that is a common component. The previous are often classic symptoms.

Bipolarism is also called manic-depression. You can help by being a stable person in her life with unconditional support and friendship. At the same time, don't get drawn into the drama of her swings, stay reasonable and level. Do not nag her to seek professional help or meds, it is not your place, well intentioned though you may be, she'll only resent you and possibly feel betrayed. Do support and encourage her if she does decide to persue these. Don't let the focus of your relationship be on her emotional/mental health- continue your friendship as you always have.

Keep in mind that it may not be so serious at all, she could just be going through a minor moody phase for other reasons. Let me know how it goes and if you have more questions.

try talking to her maybe she just needs someone to listen to and to let her know she isint alone that you are there if she needs support if it is family problems she is haven then get her to talk to her parents about it and if it is a case she is down for no reason then make her see she has nothing to be down about she could also be down for a reason but maybe she is afraid to say anything just let her know she can talk to you in confidence i wish you and your friend the very best luck

first of all - has she ever been tested for being bipolar? My friend's mom is bi-polar (extremely) and she is the same way - one minute shes really happy and upbeat, and the next shes locked in her room crying because shes so depressed.

As for what you can do, just try and be patient with her. Know that she feels bad and doesnt know why and might say/do things she doesnt mean. You are an amazing friend for caring about her and sticking with her. I wish you the best of luck. =)