A Friend With Problems

[ynnafymmi]

Anyone on here conversant with psychiatry.I have a workmate who one day is the life and soul of the party and next day goes into some kind of mad rage,railing against all and everyone.Next day he passes it off as a joke.When we suggest he gets some kind of treatment he flies off in a mad rage.Any suggestions how to proceed further?

[Samuraisan]

Stay clear of him.

[bednobs]

have to agree. Other people's problems aren't really your concern

[AuntPollyGrey]

speak to HR (Human Resources?) Otherwise there is nothing you can do if he won't accept help. Instead of suggesting he goes and gets 'Treatment' ( which suggests he is mentally ill to be honest) why don't you ask him if everything is ok with him at the moment and can you help in any way.

[Ken4155]

Is he a 'friend' or a 'workmate'? The first suggests someone you would socialise with, the second someone with whom you are forced to work alongside. If the former, maybe you know his family and can confer with them about his behaviour before suggesting treatment. If the latter, just give him as wide a berth as you can and let him sort himself out.

[LadyCG]

Has his behaviour ever been called into question by your bosses?

At the very least he sounds like he could do with some anger management therapy?

[dannyk13]

Leave him alone.He won't thank you for interfering in what is a personal matter.

[ynnafymmi]

He doesnt seem to appreciate the fact he has a problem.He is a friend and a workmate,but as i said one day a good buddy,the next day Hitler.HR cant do a lot,their hands are tied by a lot of Human Rights legislation.

[LadyCG]

They need to publish some behaviour framework outlining the conduct they expect from the staff and if he does not abide by that conduct he can be brought to task.

[woofgang]

Does the person ever harass or abuse or offer or threaten violence to fellow employees or customers? Does he do his job safely and to the requisite standard? If the answers to both are yes then HR can't do anything and neither can anyone else.

[jourdain2]

Perhaps the company could frame some form of 'Behaviour Code'? You often see these in places, such as 'bad language will not be tolerated and abuse of our staff is unacceptable' etc., etc.. No way am I a psychiatrist, but I once lived with (was married to for a nightmare few years)a depressive man who descended into Bi-polar disease and it does sound similar. Steer clear...… and he does need help by the way, i.m.o..

[ynnafymmi]

Yes he is a capable and good employee,woodgang ,and no not a lot HR can do.He can only help himself.I wish i could do more.

[Buenchico]

You seem to have described the classic symptoms of bipolar disorder:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms/

[AuntPollyGrey]

The OP says the managements hands are tied because of 'Human Rights ' issues. I find that confusing as the behaviour he describes really has nothing to do with human rights. The management needs to speak to the worker about his interactions with workmates and try to help resolve the issues. Its not up to his 'mates' to do this.