by Michelle
(Indiana)
I have a best friend who suffers from bi-polar depression, he has recently been suffering with the depression side, he tells me he needs space and went from communicating with me on a daily basis, going places with me to know he tells me he needs space, doesnt want to be around anyone doesnt want me to call him. He wont come out of his house other than to go to work. He was off his medication for awhile, he told me he just starting taking it again on Monday. What do I do? Do I listen and give him space and not contact him and wait for him to contact me? I feel like if I do that he will feel I have deserted him and dont want to be there for him. I need some advice on how to help some one I care about get through this without driving myself to the point of frustration that I dont care anymore. I have been texting him occasionally just to try to get him to small talk, rarely does he even respond when just last week he would never not respond. HELP
ANSWER:
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for sharing. I hear your frustration. I would let his doctor know and seek his advice first. Also talk to his doctor about the nutritional supplement that has cured people with bi-polar. Learn more at: www.truehope.com
IF he IS SAFE and only needs space, here's an idea to give him space face to face. Here's what I did for a friend... I got a jar and little pieces of paper. On the pieces of paper, I wrote down little notes of encouragement. They were a few words... affirming her on things I appreciated about her and then a few words of promises from God's Word, (If you are unfamiliar with God's Word, I have some basics listed below)... or motivational quotes. I basically wrote words to invest, encourage and affirm her. She said that each day she looked forward to a new note and that kept her going.
However, be sure to talk with his doctor and maybe even counselor first BEFORE giving your friend space.
There is hope for your friend!
Blessings,
Merri Ellen
P.S. Here are some basic promises to us from God that many of us are not aware of...
"OUR THINKING vs. GOD'S PROMISES"
MAN/WOMAN: "It's impossible"
GOD: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
MAN/WOMAN: "I'm too tired"
GOD: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
MAN/WOMAN : "Nobody really loves me"
GOD: I love you (John 2: 16 & John 13:34)
MAN/WOMAN: "I can't go on"
GOD: My Grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
MAN/WOMAN: "I can't figure things out"
GOD: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
MAN/WOMAN: "I can't do it"
GOD: You can do all things (Phillipians 4:13)
MAN/WOMAN : "I'm not able"
GOD: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
MAN/WOMAN: "It's not worth it"
GOD: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
MAN/WOMAN : "I can't forgive myself"
GOD: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
MAN/WOMAN: "I can't manage"
GOD: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
MAN/WOMAN: "I'm afraid"
GOD: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
MAN/WOMAN: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
GOD: Cast all your cares on me (I Peter 5:7)
MAN/WOMAN: "I don't have enough faith"
GOD: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)
MAN/WOMAN: "I'm not smart enough"
GOD: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
MAN/WOMAN: "I feel all alone"
God: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
You can look up the passages at www.BibleGateway.com