Nupe4Life really hit it when he said to find out what illness they have to read up on it and know what to suspect. That's what my close friends did when I was diagnosed with manic depression this semester.
I don't mind sharing this because it isn't something that I am ashamed of. Would you be embarrassed to tell people you have cancer or diabetes? No. Therefore I talk openly about my illness so I can help educate people. I get a lot of stupid questions and comments but many people ask valid questions and I am glad I could be of help to them.
I am lucky to have friends like I do. When I first got out of the hospital they came into my bedroom and checked on me every hour or so for 24 hours straight.
I'm not saying that you have to become a nurse to your friend. But I will say that sometimes it is not easy having a friend with a mental illness. You have to worry about them a little bit more than other friends. Luckily my friends are REALLY good friends so this wasn't an issue with them. Hopefully you will find strength to be a good support system for him/her when they need it. Just continue to love them. That's what's getting me through.
Peace
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