Hi Kathy,

welcome aboard... i was a bit tongue-tied... originally all i could think of was:
If you wish, perhaps share with us more about the situation and talking to the person in question.

ON NORMALITY:
normality is often a statistical average... or can refer to what is "most common" but it is very vague... it is a concept. no individual is "normal." we each have quirks, some more some less, and some quirks are more evident while others are more hidden.

generally speaking, a person needs assistance if:

their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors
-- could result in harm to themselves or others
OR
-- significantly impair their home, social, or professional functioning.

Certainly a doctor would be the one to make the call about possible chemical imbalances. But shipping someone off to the doctor can be a delicate enterprise indeed. if you suspect the person is bipolar, for instance, a manic person could get quite indignant at the suggestion, as they might well feel "fine" - even better than fine. in mixed manic states people start to really think things are not right, but even then they may react angrily or with intense fear at the idea of seeing a doctor.

Those who are depressed are most receptive... often the most difficult hurdle is a sense of hopelessness as they may feel even a doctor cannot help them. it is also good to remind a depressed person that their difficulties do not come from being "weak-willed" or from being bad, regardless whether they choose to see a professional, or take medication. Often depressed people blame themselves for everything, including their own depression and inability to shake it.

those with other illnesses, including but not limited to schizophrenia, may respond unpredictably, depending on their state and very much on how and by whom the subject is broached.

ON MEDICATION:
There is still a strong social stigma about taking psychiatric meds. if one has never taken them, there tends to be much resistance. i was very resistant at first. one thing that can be said is that it doesn't hurt to just talk to one's GP. Also, starting out with a counselor - while they cannot prescribe - might be a good step to shedding light on the type and severity of problems and if applicable getting a reference. Counselors are also more neutral and might be able to make more headway than a friend or relative in suggesting that a client also see a psychiatrist (who can diagnose and prescribe.)

About the sponsored link on bipolar depression - it is by the manufacturer of a very strong medication with non-negligible risks. Certainly many people benefit from it, but many others do not need that sort of medication. Meds of that type have been pushed on the market in recent years by their respective manufacturers. (There have even been lawsuits ... after people got hurt from these meds because the manufacturers had established but failed to disclose some associated risks.)

SOOOO, just be aware that any information presented by pharmaceutical companies will always be skewed to favor the use of their products.

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WELCOME ABOARD... and please feel free to ask more questions, share what you feel up to sharing. we will try to help as we can.



~ waves ~