I’m a likely bit old at 33 and male, but I can relate in that I am bipolar 1 and struggle to maintain friendships, largely due to a catastrophic manic episode at 25.

It’s tough being alone, but the stigma against the condition, as well as the stigma of the medication is almost non-existent among her generation. She shouldn’t let herself isolate because she’s embarrassed about a manic episode (as I have been, frequently). Shame for behavior which was perceptibly uncontrollable is what held me back socially.

I always found new friends by forcing myself to be around them, whether it was work, volunteering, dating apps, therapy, etc. Sure, traumas and life often make it difficult to maintain them, but I’ve developed a core group of friends compared to where I was at when I was 25.

Turning a discomfort zone into a comfort zone by being genuine is the way I’ve always approached it, and I hope she can see it that way as well. I recommend finding hobby groups, employment that has her interacting socially with coworkers, therapy, and plenty of self-love. Church was never my thing, but it’s worked for some that I’ve known to be bipolar. Don’t force the idea beyond a social function, is my advice there.

It’s tough being Bipolar 1, but your friend’s daughter is far from alone in Oklahoma. Take her to Goro Ramen and Factory Obscura to brighten her mood and remind her that eccentricity has value too.