Skip to content

Mental evaluation can mean life, death

Like Total Loss’s son, I, too, was in the upper four percent of my high-school class and had a great scholarship.

Dear Annie: Like Total Loss’s son, I, too, was in the upper four percent of my high-school class and had a great scholarship.

My first semester at college was a total disaster, culminating in completely erratic behavior and a suicide attempt. I was sent to the state hospital, where I was diagnosed as bipolar (manic depressive) and tried a score of medication before I found one that let me function again.

Tell “Total Loss” to have her son evaluated immediately. It could be a matter of life and death. — Bipolar

Dear Bipolar: You are so right. We are happy you were diagnosed and are doing so well. Thanks for sharing your story.

Dear Annie: My daughter received an iTunes gift card from one of her friends. At the birthday party, she and this friend attempted to redeem the card online, but it did not activate.

The friend told her mother the card did not work. Two days later, we attempted to exchange the card at the store where it was purchased, but we needed a receipt. I called the friend’s mother, but she told me she thought she had thrown it out, but she’d check and let me know.

If it were me, I would have taken the card back and gotten another.

Am I out of line? What would be the proper action if this happens again? — Kind of Annoyed in Florida

Dear Annoyed: Say nothing. Yes, of course she should have apologized and exchanged the card herself. However, it was a gift, which means even if Mom was ill-mannered and cheap, you’re out of luck.

Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611.