Need advice with "mentally ill" friend.

[effie]

Yagecero, thank you for editing your post and for recognising how a friendly discussion could easily turn into a not-so-friendly argument! I think the bipolar debate definitely needs to end here, before it becomes too heated

It does sound like the situation is extremely difficult for you, and as you say we can't walk in your shoes and see what it is like for you. I imagine it is all the more intense given that you live with this person. Regardless of the reason behind his behaviour and the difference of opinion about bipolar, if his behaviour is too much for you all to cope with, then that is perfectly okay - there is only so much we can handle! I think the options are either he modifies the behaviour that is causing you all distress (this may involve getting more help with coping with his illness, or changing his patterns of behaviour while in the house) or he does not continue to live with you guys (maybe he needs to be with his family where they can look after him, or conversely maybe he needs his own space - I don't know him so I don't know what would be best). Judging by how heated the discussion got in here, I think it is best to avoid bringing that side up with him, if you want to have a calm and productive discussion

Good luck resolving the situation - I hope it works out for you

 

[Missykins]

I think you've misread my posts - the thing that bothers me the most is that my friend smokes cannabis daily and uses mushrooms recreationally while on medication. I do not suggest that psychedelics are a "cure" per se, but they without a doubt can open you up to repressed experiences (much like work with a good therapist can), and in doing so expose the cause of your issues. Once the problem has been unearthed, it can be dealt with in myriad ways. Meditation, creating close friendships, discussing my problems in an entirely open and honest fashion and facing my triggers head on did it for me.

And how would this help a person who is acutely suicidal or has attempted suicide?

 

[herbavore]

Hey, yagecero, I just wanted to say that I have appreciated thinking about everything that your thread brought up. Fairly worthless as advice for your situation goes, I realize. Sorry that I have nothing to offer but did want to interject my thanks for bringing up lots of questions---I vastly prefer questions to answers