Ladybug, I also wanted to say your friend is lucky to have a friend like you. It's not easy to find people that truely understand mental illness. Those with good mental health take it for granted and are less tolerant of the mood swings and depression.

Feeling non-productive doesn't do much for the self-esteem. Not having family or many friends really intensifies flare-ups.

My thoughts and prayers are with him, especially his physically health. Get that under control and with a good friend like you on his side, and some positive thinking the rest will fall into place.

Tell him another helpful technique is journaling. Just write everything good or bad that comes to your mind. It's sort of like self therepy.

[ February 24, 2006, 06:20 PM: Message edited by: suzieq ]