To wonder what you would do in this situation (MH related)

[Dogmum92]

What would you do if a friend was showing signs of having a mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder? Not in a significant way where they’re at risk of harming themselves or others, but exhibiting strange behaviours and making impulsive decisions in their personal/work life?

I’m not qualified in any way to be diagnosing anyone and I don’t know if this is just their personality (we’ve been friends about 5 years) and they are generally a spontaneous, live for the moment person, or if this is something to be concerned about.

Interested in what you would do and whether I should say something or just stay out of it for risk of offending them.

I would be frank with them about the changes and say your concerned and that they should see their GP

Youre going to have to be much more specific if you want actual advice.

I have a situation a bit like this at the moment and have said something. The earlier you can get help the better in a situation like this. I'd do it with love and care and pick the best way but yes

talk to them about it and if concerned for safety contact police or ambulance

I would remind myself that ’I’m not qualified in any way to be diagnosing anyone and I don’t know if this is just their personality’ and stay out of it.

I would have a gentle chat with them and mention that you're concerned about their behaviour. How it goes depends largely on whether or not they're in denial.
Good luck.

If they are very ill then they won't take any intervention kindly. If they're at the beginning of some sort of episode you could ask questions like ' have you slept much recently' 'are you hearing voices' which might indicate something serious but ultimately there is not much you can do since they will need to take themselves to the GP.

I'd say that it depends on the nature of your friendship as much as how odd/erratic they are being.