Help me set compassionate boundries during freind's hypomanic episode.

Post date: 2024-04-11 01:00:43

How do I engage with them while they are going through this? And do I mention anything to anyone else about it?

This is my first time encountering someone going through a hypo-manic episode (that is what it was descried to me as so apologies if that's not the preferred term). It's safe to assume I know nothing about the right things to do when answering.

Last weekend I went to visit a friend per their invitation after not seeing them in person since October. When I arrived, it was clear things were not ok with them. They were talking complete nonsense, were surprised I was there despite inviting me, and after quickly being shown the door, I left very confused.

Prior to this is they were still posting on socials- although in hindsight it's been really odd things, but this is a creative person so not totally out of character.

The short story is I had no idea anything was going on until I saw them this weekend. I was able to talk to their parents. They currently experiencing a pretty long and severe hypomanic episode. My friend is getting home care while seeing a bevy of professionals weekly if not daily, so I am not concerned on the care they are getting. It seems like a really hard time for them and their whole family.

They can't sustain a phone conversation, but have been messaging me and other friends for help finding lawyers (part of this episode seems to entail wanting to sue a lot of people who don't actually exist), buying (I found out many many things they can't afford), making plans they can't show up to, etc etc.

With no one in our social circle knowing what was going on, many of us (I included) just thought it was business as usual and here is the name of an attorney, you can buy this thing here, etc etc.... but now I understand that is feeding into the problem.

I don't want to ignore their texts. I want them to feel supported. I don't want to help them buy a $5k bag or waste a lawyer's time or make plans with them that they can't keep or won't remember.

I also realize it is no one's business what they are going through, but I am worried about the other people they are texting who are in a similar situation to me- completely in the dark and accidentally enabling destructive behaviors.

I know "sorry, I can't help you with that" is a complete reply, but what can I talk to them about without exasperating the situation? Should I be talking to them about anything? How will I know when this episode has passed and they really do want to see a movie on Friday? If you've been in a similar situation, what were things you did that were helpful?

Finally, is there anything I need to look out for that would tell me to contact their family immediately

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