Are you manic bipolar? What exactly is the signs of someone being manic?

[Anonymous]

Recently, I was suicidal and went into a clinic to learn coping skills from recently losing my father and brother. Anyways, I met this amazing person in there and we became extremely close. Instantly we bonded and it was like a gut-feeling told me I could trust them as a friend. He told me he is manic-bipolar and I am not familiar with this at all. So, he seemed pretty easy going at first but every night we call each other and I swear we will be on the phone for three hours and I will not say a damn word because how much he talks. He also tends to repeat the same exact stories and NEVER SLEEPS. He runs on empty. However, he was not like this at all in the hospital. I want to be his friend so bad and stay close but I need help understanding what exactly the fuck goes on so I don't push him away. If you can relate, feel free to comment anonymously and help me understand. What is normal symptoms? What does it feel like? Are bi-polar people abusive or not all people? I am really confused. Please leave some advice!

[Anonymous]

This hits close to home. Bi-polar disorder along with many other mental disorders such as Schitofrenia and depression run in my family. This past year my brother was diagnosed with Bi-polar disorder. It was pretty scary before he got his meds. He doesn't even remember half of the things he did. Anyway, you can look up bi-polar symptoms online. But a few are racing thoughts, extremes of highs and lows, suicidal thoughts, hearing voices... I don't know basically just lots of crap goes on in your head and body due to chemical imbalances in your brain. I myself have or "had" depression or bi-polar depression. It sucks and basically you just feel out of control and all you can do for a person with a mental disorder is to just be there for them. Most importantly LISTEN! I can't tell you enough how much I just wanted to vent to someone but it was so hard because I was trying to be strong. Also, refrain from judgement. And never try to be too pushy because having a mental illness means that things can be perceived differently... like normal things someone says to you becomes extremely hurtful or rude even when they're not. In short, all you need is love, patience, and understanding.

[Tirana]

I'm not bi polar, I'm borderline personality, but the two have similarities. Emotions run high, and sometimes the littlest thing can set me off. The main difference between BPD and bipolar are that with BPD I can go through a cycle several times in a day, going from happy to sad in a minute flat, and BPD tends not to have quite the same type of mania as bipolar.

Regardless, best thing to do is listen, don't be pushy, and if he acts hurt over something you say or do, don't get mad, he just can't process it the same way you do. When he wants to withdraw, let him know you're there.