I know this is a new concept for some, but when a person you're with suddenly and unexpectedly changes mood, there's a reason. Ask what that reason is. Now, you may get your hand bitten off, but that person will appreciate the sentiment anyway. The person having the moods doesn't mean to hurt you, but their internal pain tends to come out in caustic words or actions. Try not to hold these things against this person. This person wants to be heard but may not have the words he or she needs to explain what's going on in their head or body. Give them time and space to calm down then ask again what the matter is. When this person talks, no matter how hard it is, LISTEN! Don't give stories about Suzy Smith who felt this way once. Don't interrupt. Don't try to finish this person's sentences when they are having a hard time finding words. Do ask questions. Do offer a shoulder to cry on. Do be sympathetic.
This isn't too hard to grasp, right? We can all tell when our happy friend or family member suddenly gets depressed for seemingly no reason. Is it really that hard to ask what's wrong?
I know mental illnesses are scary, but I'll tell you one thing... The people living with these illnesses are a whole lot more scared than you are. If you don't deal with any mental illness, you have no idea what it's like fighting your own brain every single day. Give us a break once in a while when we're cranky and ask what's wrong.
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