really really concerned about friend

loulou123

Any help v appreciated on this one: (i have to be a bit careful what I write on off chance she sees this, so sorry if its a bit sketchy in places.)

My friend has been struggling with her mental health since last year, after a series of major problems in her personal life. She has had counseling and is on anti depressants (tho I don't no if she's actually taking them)

I thought she was getting a bit better, but now things have turned very weird, she has become convinced her kids will be taken into care (which I don't see any reason for happening, they are both teenagers and she has done nothing to harm them or herself etc)

But more worryingly she is convinced that I am the one whose behind it potentially happening! From what she is saying she is imagining that everyone we work with (including me) is in on some major plot to have them taken away, she is also convinced that I have been talking to her other friends about this (they live up the country and I haven't even met them.)

She is adamant she is no longer 'ill' and is now seeing things clearly. She keeps texting me asking me to think of her kids and stop what I'm doing (urm nothing!) And begging me to let her know 'what's going to happen'

I've had mental health problems in past, so sympathise greatly with her, but she is acting very paranoid and delusional and I don't no what to do.

She has no family I can speak to and no close friends in this area. Any help really appreciated.

whitewing

It appears that the first person to try and speak to is her GP. Perhaps you could call and explain the situation. It may get frustrating because they may not appear to 'do' anything, but at least if it is on record then if she does contact them herself they will maybe ask a few more questions. They may even call her - you would hope they could.

BlueC

She seems to be displaying symptoms of paranoid psychosis. From experience I know how difficult it is to get the right care for mental illness, but she needs a good proactive and understanding GP, the correct medication (a psychiatrist should prescribe this, not a GP) and referral to CBT or other therapist.

However, I am not sure what YOU can do to be honest. Probably not much, but try to reassure her that you're not up to any evil and see if she'll open up to you about her anxieties. She could really use somebody that she can trust 100%.

One thing... Is she taking any drugs? Prescribed or otherwise?

j.e.j.

Someone close to me had psychosis and the trouble with this condition is that the sufferer does not see themselves as ill, and so it's very difficult to get them to seek medical help.

You say she was on antidepressants. Is she under the care of her local mental health team? If she is perhaps you or one of her family could register a comment with them about your concerns. I think you can also get a mental health assessment done, but you'd obviously have to be careful about how you go about it for fear of making her even more paranoid.

shy-but-need-help

I second what everyone is saying about contacting the local mental health team- if she is registered with them (they won't tell you if she is) then you expressing your concern about her will hopefully put the ball rolling for the team who work with her to help.

I have bipolar and for the majority I do fine but in one of my manic phases I become obsessed with "fighting the man" - I can laugh about it when on an even keel and I do realise it's quite ridiculous but I can tell you now when in that state nothing in the world seems so real to me other than "the man" interfering with my life, the government controlling me and the world being out to get me because they are all supporting "the man" . (My DH does find it hilarious when I am back on an even keel and will ask me if i still feel the things I ranted about... I do believe my last major episode I ended up telling him the government were wrong for interfering with the institute of polygamy and that a second wife would actually be quite helpful for us.)

I really would not take offence, it is very easy when mentally ill to take people smiling at you as them only doing it because they're trying to cover for something they've done etc.

You sound like a lovely friend to have taking the time to actually want to help rather than just avoiding her like many would.

skintstudentnurse

Hello, your friend is lucky to have someone like you who is concerned for her well being :T If she has a community nurse, social worker or even the counsellor, would you be able to give them a ring to let them know your concerns? If not, try and persuade her to see the GP, it does sound as if she has some delusional ideas, which she may need additional medication to help resolve.

loulou123

I no she isn't registered with the mental health team (as I was registered with them myself at one point,) and I kept trying to get her to contact them before, but everytime they tried to make her an appointment she wouldn't turn up etc.

She is refusing to see her councillor as 'they' are also in on the plan. I don't actually know who her gp is either.

I have expressed my concerns to my manager at work (possibly not right thing to do) but felt I had no choice as she is accusing me and several work colleagues (including now the manager) of trying to 'push her over the edge' and I felt he needed to know what she is saying to people. She has also not turned up at work for last 2 days either.

I just don't know what to do, she is sending me extremely hurtful texts (which I am not taking to heart, as no its not meant) but its difficult to help her, when she is being like this.

Thank you for all your helpful replies.

Plans_all_plans

Would MIND be able to help you? They might be able to give you some helpful advice http://www.mind.org.uk/help Might be worth a shot?

whitewing

You could try giving her details to NHS direct 0845 46 47. They may be able to pick her up on their system if you explain that you don't know who the GP is. Again, they may not do anything, but at least you will have done all you can for the time being.

Keep remembering that the texts are being sent from an ill person. Maybe call The Samaritans to offload if it gets too much. They may be able to offer some advice too.

shy-but-need-help

Surely your employer would have her GP on record for emergency contact? (seem to recall Dh had to list his at most places he worked) or possibly on previous sick-notes she's possibly handed in, that would have addresses, it would be a place to start.