Supporting and promoting the well-being of mental health carers and their families.
Mental Health Carers Austalia.
15-07-2021 09:55 AM
15-07-2021 09:55 AM
I have this friend who has BPD and she's manic right now. She lost her Nana during the last COVID lockdown and she hasn't been able to face the death in a healthy way. Last time I saw her she told me she hasn't cried yet but now she's taking Alprazolam and doing things that she doesn't remember doing. I think the Alprazolam is to forget about all the pain in her life because losing her nana was too much to handle. The Alprazolam is bought from a dealer and I don't know who her dealer is to tell them to stop selling to her. She doesn't respond to my texts or calls when I try to reach out (probably knowing that I will try to stop her). I care about her so much and I'm a situation like this i feel so lost. She lives alone and has only moved out from her parents house in the last couple of months. I want her to be safe but I never know if she is now that she's living alone. She has been sending me messages telling me she's had days that she can't remember and last night she was sending me messages with 4 Alprazolam in her mouth meaning she's probably taking more than 4 a day. She is on lithium too but I'm not sure if she's taking it and I know she drinks alcohol some times too. Please let me know if there's anything I can do that shows I care and doesn't force her to get the help she needs. I am so worried about her and I feel like there's nothing I can do to help her without losing her trust. She is one of my closest friends and I just want to find a way I can help even a little bit in this situation.
15-07-2021 10:26 AM - edited 15-07-2021 10:28 AM
15-07-2021 10:26 AM - edited 15-07-2021 10:28 AM
First things first.. Are you okay? You can't save your friend if you not. There are numbers on the side of this forum ---> if you or your friend need to talk.
Do her parents know that all of this information?
Probably the first thing you should do is set some boundaries. Let her know that you care about her but attention-seeking during drug use is not something you want to be part of.
Let her know that you are there for her if she wants to honour her Grandparent in a constructive way, such as cooking a meal she would have liked, burning a candle and listening to music she liked, etc...
If you feel her life is in danger at any time, please call the police.
@BPDSurvivor --- You would have better advice than i....
15-07-2021 10:33 AM
15-07-2021 10:33 AM
15-07-2021 10:54 AM
15-07-2021 10:54 AM
Hi @Friendd
I understand about your predicament with your friend. I am glad you are aware of how over-investment in her life could work badly. Yes - you do care about her - that is obvious
She is ignoring your supportive suggestions - but she rings you when she has memory lapses. This is double signalling and hard to manage. I have had experience with this attitude a long way in the past. There is really nothing much you can do.
It is really tough. All you can do is to ask her what she wants from you when she rings when she has lost memories. Pin her down at that point. Really, she doesn't want to change her habits - it's is pretty hard and she does need help but won't seek it.
It's is so hard for you - this I really understand. It doesn't seem as if her parents would be helpful but contacting them might be your only course - true - she doesn't want to do what they suggest and you might lose her trust. Is that the worst that can happen?
It is not easy when she rings with her loss of memories but won't take any suggestion. That is the sticking point
I am glad you are looking after yourself. Perhaps it would be good if you took a break from her - don't answer her calls if you are stressed about it - or send her a text asking her what she really wants for you
All the best - and I am glad you posted
Dec
15-07-2021 11:03 AM
15-07-2021 11:03 AM
15-07-2021 11:53 AM - edited 15-07-2021 11:53 AM
15-07-2021 11:53 AM - edited 15-07-2021 11:53 AM
Hi @Friendd ,
Sounds like the PACER or CATT team is required.
Calling the police may bring a big fear and absolutely send your friend off.
Your area mental health team (triage) would be your first point of call.
You are NOT responsible for the actions of your friend. Neither should you carry the burden of your friend's actions. She/He needs formal care involved.
BPDSurvivor
15-07-2021 09:36 PM
15-07-2021 09:36 PM
Hi @Friendd
It sounds as if you are a very loyal and thoughtful friend - you are sticking by your friend which has to be good and you have a plan - I am glad to read this
I hope things work out you and all your friends here
Dec
18-07-2021 08:21 AM
18-07-2021 08:21 AM
27-09-2021 06:46 PM
27-09-2021 06:46 PM
I am glad you are looking after yourself. Perhaps it would be good if you took a break from her - don't answer her calls if you are stressed about it - or send her a text asking her what she really wants for you
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Supporting and promoting the well-being of mental health carers and their families.
Mental Health Carers Austalia.
Our Mission
To be the voice of mental health carers to enable the best life possible.
Get In Touch With Us
We're here to support and promote the well-being of mental health carers and their families
Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of the needs of mental health carers.
Supporting and promoting the well-being of mental health carers and their families.
Mental Health Carers Austalia.
Our Mission
To be the voice of mental health carers to enable the best life possible.
Get In Touch With Us
We're here to support and promote the well-being of mental health carers and their families
Mental Health Carers Australia is the only national advocacy group solely concerned with the well-being and promotion of the needs of mental health carers.