Wow!  Actress Jessica Stroup got rave reviews for delivering one of 90210's most moving performances ever.  Stroup's character Silver went from a manic high into deep despair.  Here's a Recap of the meaty 05/02/11 episode, called "Women on the Verge":

-Silver, at the beginning, was excited about everything from her NYU interview to grilled cheese; friends found her excessive energy troubling

-Navid (Silver's boyfriend) & Silver disagreed; he thought it was a bad idea for her to call the NYU Admissions Officer incessantly (Silver called like 100 times when she was manic)

-Nobody knows yet that Adrianna swapped Silver's bipolar meds for placeboes--something that happened weeks ago

–Adrianna is determined to get Navid back and still upset that Silver is dating her ex-boyfriend

-Navid found a mascara-streaked Silver lying at home in the dark, unwilling to eat, go outside, or talk-Silver found out NYU rejected her and felt that everything was over

-Navid gently asked if she was taking her meds saying something like "It's just that you were so up before and you're so down now"

-Silver was offended by the suggestion she'd stopped taking her meds; she demanded he leave her house  

-Navid, Dixon cooked up a plan to get Silver help-(FYI: Two years ago, Dixon was Silver's boyfriend–he was the one who discovered she has bipolar because his biological mother also has bp)

-Dixon came over pretending to take Silver out for a bite but instead drove her to the Los Angeles Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Wing, where Navid was waiting 

-The doctor said Silver indeed was not well

-Adrianna came to the hospital telling Navid she wanted to help him and Silver

-Adrianna brought Navid home and poured him lots of alcohol as she "comforted" him–the ending was a cliffhanger–it's not clear whether Navid passed out drunk or if they slept together

Important Lessons on Loving Someone with Bipolar from Dixon's Example:
-Symptoms of Mania to look out for: Excessive Energy, Impulsive behavior, Decreased need for Sleep, Racing Thoughts, Euphoria

-Symptoms of Depression to look out for: No Energy, Crying Spells, Feelings of Hopelessness, Bleak Outlook on Life, Lack of Appetite

-Friends can identify these symptoms-Sometimes friends in trouble can be reluctant to get help, but trying to get them help is still worth it

-There is always hope!

Important Lessons on Managing Bipolar Disorder from Silver's Example:
-Bipolar disorder is manageable

–Silver was successfully managing bipolar & doing well for 2 years before her meds were swapped

-You need support–good friends (like Dixon) make it easier

-Taking Prescribed Medicine regularly is absolutely essential

-Know your symptoms--What is it that you did in the past when you were manic or depressed?  If you start to do these things again, then you know it's time to get extra help before things get out of control

-Learn to accept help when you need it

What will happen next week on Monday, 05/09/11?

  Check out the preview of "The Prom Before the Storm" here

  My handle is @flipswitchteens.

Live tweet with me. 90210. 8/7CST on the CW Network.

--Jessica