Another bipolar question?

Question:

When a person gets to the state of "depression" -- we're talking sleeping/staying in bed for 3 days, etc., how long will this last? Will it last for a week, a month, a year? I understand it's ups an downs (very much down and very much up). My friend is at an "I don't give a sh*** stage." I haven't seen him like this in 4 years. The only difference this time is he is sort of laughing instead of crying with it. It almost scares me more. I was with him through the last major one -- I don't know how to handle THIS one. I can not go to his home (long story). I email him and wait for him to call me (or he won't pick up his phone -- right now, if he wants to talk, HE calls). He said he's fine. What is the longest one of these "down" periods lasts? Should I expect he'll be pulling himself up soon? I'm trying my hardest to help him - every possible way I know how. He's not a relative - I can't force meds on him. Thanks again.

Answers:
Your concern is very well placed. Being depressed and yet laughing could be a sign of a mixed state episode where both depressive and manic symptoms are present at the same time. It is most urgent that he go to his doctor. The danger of suicide attempt is real. Do all you can to continue to support him. If you have contact with other friends or relatives of his, enlist them to help him find a way through this. If that fails call the police/fire department where he lives and express your concerns. I know that he will likely resist and it may make him angry if you talk to others or call in medical assistance for him. However, it is better to have an angry friend than a dead one. I am speaking from my own experience. I live with bipolar disorder. I'm ok now thanks to my doctor and medications. He can be alright too, he just needs a little help.

The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can last a few hours, days, weeks or months and can last more than a year when left untreated.

Sincerely,
Terry

Other Answers:
Patients with bipolar disease do not always manifest both sides of it. I think you are right to be concerned, but I can see nothing that you can do to force him to seek psychiatic help or take his medicines. You have no legal standing, and I see no hope of commitment as long as he poses no danger to others.

The best thing you can do for him, is buy him this book: "The Feeling Good Handbook" by Dr. David Burns. It literally saved my life. I was depressed and suicidal. Doctors tried all kinds of things and nothing seemed to be working. I read the book, did as the doctor suggested, and was cured. That was over a year ago, and life couldn't be better. I strongly recommend it.

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