You can have trouble forming relationships if you have a manic depression.Maintaining friendships can be difficult if you don't want to spend time with people.To make friends, you can choose supportive friends who know about your condition, work on being a good friend, and take care of yourself.Being a good friend to other people requires self-care.You can form bonds with others when you have a mental illness.
Step 1: Introduce yourself.
It can be difficult to meet new people if you have a mental illness.It's important to take the first step to introduce yourself.Say hello to the person and tell them your name at the party or social function.You could be at a friend's party or a social event.Someone who looks nice or interesting can be found in the crowd.Say hello to that person.My name is _____.If someone is alone, they will be happy to have company.
Step 2: There is something to start a conversation about.
It can be awkward to just go up to someone and introduce yourself.It may be easier to start a conversation with someone.A good place to start a conversation is in the situation you are in.It's important to stick to neutral topics and avoid politics.If you are in class, you should talk to someone about the homework.Start talking to someone about the board game they are playing if you are at a social meetup for board games.Comment on the food or the music at a friend's party.You can ask, "What game are they playing?"It looks fun, but I have never seen it before. What did you think of the book we read for class?This place is one of the best.
Step 3: When to share your condition is up to you.
When you want to share your condition with your friends, the time will come.Think about what you want to say.You should wait until you get to know the person before sharing it with them.Why do you want to tell this person?Is this person understanding?Will they be supportive?This will be a good indication of how they will talk to you.You should tell the person as much as you can.I have a mental illness.I go through phases of depression when I have trouble with my moods.We can be friends.If you feel uncomfortable sharing this much, you can also share a symptom of your disorder.You could say, "I often have trouble sleeping at night." Trouble sleeping is a common complaint so most people can relate to it.
Step 4: Limit the amount of time you talk about your disorder.
If you want to tell people about your condition, you should be careful about how often you talk about it.If you are having a hard time with your symptoms or are going through a bad patch, it is a good idea to let your friends know.Don't talk about the Bipolar when you are with people.When you are with other people, don't talk about your health problems.You do not want that to be the focus of your conversations or social interactions.Listen to your friend's concerns as well.
Step 5: To commit to treatment.
One way to maintain friendship is to commit to treatment.You should be able to manage your depression if you take your medication and make lifestyle changes.Unstable moods can be caused by skipping your medication or ignoring your treatment.You can have positive relationships with others if you follow your doctor's prescribed treatment.If you are considering taking your medication off, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Step 6: In small groups.
Large groups can make your moods unstable.If you are with a bunch of people you don't know, this may be true.You can help with this by interacting in small groups.Meet with a few friends at a time, or choose to go to places with smaller amounts of people, like coffee shops or movie theaters.There are sites where you can find people who share your interests.
Step 7: Listen to other people.
You should listen to the other person more than you talk when you meet people for the first time.Try to put the focus on the other person when you have a mental illness.You can ask questions such as, "How did you get into knitting?"
Step 8: You should establish boundaries with your friends.
You may find yourself reacting differently due to your mood disorder.You can either yell at your friend or try to push them away.Both of you can be fulfilled by your friendship if you set boundaries.If you cancel on your friend, try to reach out to them during the next week.Within a few days, I will answer the phone or return your call.I realize that if I don't return your call, it's my fault.I understand that you might not want to be friends with me if I keep ignoring you.You should leave if I get upset or angry.We can talk a few days after when my mood is back to normal.
Step 9: Your friend should be given some space.
If you have been friends with someone for a long time, you should give them space and not be needy.It's possible that your depression makes you feel abandoned or like you want to be around your friend all the time.Remember that your friend has many friends.That does not mean they don't like you.They should be given the space they deserve.It's a good idea to avoid calling or writing when you're in need.It's possible that things you say or do are not you.It doesn't mean your friends have to be around you all the time
Step 10: Don't take everything personally.
Don't let your friend's inability to get together make you angry.If you think no one likes you and you have no friends, try not to.Think about it calmly and rationally.Sometimes you have to cancel as well.There are things that come up.If your friend is dealing with a mental illness, like depression or anxiety, they may have canceled.Look at the situation calmly and take a deep breath.Things come up.That does not mean people don't like you.It's important to keep in mind that your friends might want to get together, but not participate in a certain activity.A friend who doesn't want to go to dinner might be interested in meeting for coffee.
Step 11: Good self-care habits can be practiced.
Eating well, exercising, making time to relax, having good hygiene, and getting plenty of sleep are some of the things that self-care includes.To be a good friend to other people and feel your best, you need to practice good self-care.Developing a self-care routine will fulfill your needs.
Step 12: Tell the truth.
It is possible to build friendship if you are honest about how your depression affects your relationships.You may have to cancel plans if you are not mentally able to hang out.This has nothing to do with them.You can say, "I have depression."Sometimes I will be too depressed to leave the house.Sometimes it hits suddenly.If this happens, please be aware that it has nothing to do with you.
Step 13: Tell your friends what you need.
You can help build friendship when you tell them what you need to know.Communication that you need them to be understanding and patient is very important.You should tell them how they can help you.It's a good idea to let your friends know what they can do for you when you have an episode.It helps you get the support you need from your friends.Please don't get mad if I cancel plans.Text me to ask how I am.It takes a few days for me to overcome the depression, so call me within one or two days.
Step 14: Support your friends.
Make sure your friends are supportive and understanding.Not everyone will be patient, understand your situation or think about your needs.Negative people will encourage negative behaviors in you.The kind of friends you need are found in people who you can count on.Don't have negative people in your life.You have enough stress to deal with your depression.Friends are supposed to be fun and rewarding, so make sure you pursue friends who are like that.It takes time to build a relationship.
Step 15: It's time to give yourself a break.
If you make a mistake, cancel plans, or snap on someone, don't beat yourself up.Think about how you can react in a different way next time, if you acknowledge your behavior.When you mess up, treat yourself well.It doesn't make you a bad friend if you have a mental illness.It is difficult to manage depression.It may take a lot out of you at first.Try to get out and socialize.Take care of yourself.