How do you cope with your fiance being bipolar?
345259
Manic episodes are easily recognizable when you know the warning signs. The most obvious is elevated mood and energy levels. pt's report having racing thoughts and not sleeping well or at all and some pt's report that they "feel great" or they're "on top of the world". Manic episodes feel good to a pt and that often causes bipolar pt's to stop taking their meds. Many pt's report that the meds make them feel sluggish and "not like myself" it is so important to make sure they keep taking their meds. Common medications are mood stabilizers such as Depakote. Some pt's report psychotic symptoms as well such as hearing voices they may also exhibit paranoid thoughts and have delusions of grandiosity meaning they think they are important in an unrealistic way( the CIA is out to get me because I know the secret.... As with any other pathology everyone is different so ask your partner what their symptoms are and what precipitates them.
195361
Figure out the sources of you stress...like when you realize that you are not relaxed, think about what you are doing at that exact moment...are you worried about your career, boyfriend/girlfriend etc. Finding the source will allow you to focus on your breathing and allow you to control your bipolar disorder.\n\nAdditionally, exercise is also beneficial to your journey.
692462
First off, if someone divorced you over a medical disorder, they have much bigger problems than you ever will. \n\nSecond, bi-polar disorder is not great, but hardly a life-ending tragedy.  It can be controlled with medicine and therapy. Take a real interest in your own health.  Start a mood journal so that you and your doctor can get an idea of the cycles of your disorder.\n\nThird, join a support group.  There are many in real life and on the web.  Always keep in mind that you are not alone and not at fault.
382037
dealing with an ex spouse who is bi polar, i can assure you it is no picnic for your family. For the families sake, take your meds always. Don't stop when you "feel ok" because you don't even know when your making everyone around you live with dr. jekyl/mr hyde. He did not take his meds and he made our lives a living hell.
1049885
i personally believe that people can change. i hope that ur fiance can too. maybe talking about it and ur fears with him will make u feel better. \ngood luck
248924
I am off meds right now. It was a long road to get were I am at. I had to learn my triggers, and learn to rationalize with myself. I still have bad days, but my husband and kids help me through. I would rather be on meds, but I had problems getting and taking them every day, which made things so much worse. I have found that letting close friends and family know what is happening will help. They will not take things as personally, and can "see" symptoms before you do. I start cussing really bad at the start of a manic episode, and my husband will say something, and work to get me in a calmer place. He also knows that a depressive episode is almost always followed by mania for me. \n\nI can not hold down a "normal" job. The stress sends me into loops. I now work at home, and set my own hours. For me it works. For others they need a "set" schedule. I found a therapist who would not try to analize me, but instead let me bounce my own thoughts and ideas off of him. That was the best thing that ever happened to me! \n\nFor the first time in my life I will tell people I am bipolar and hear back, "No Way, you are so normal!" It feels good!
424774
I was diagnosed borderline.. /by polar about a year ago... they put me on Saroquel and I'm a lot better now.  I know I was hard to live/deal with.  You just have to be patient if you love the person.  Saroquel was a life saver for me though.
321026
I am mentally ill. I can say it. I have had to endure 30 brain surgeries and I suffer, believe me- I SUFFER- some lingering side effects of it. The surgery was for a birth deffect that wasn't detected til I was 19. \n I now suffer from severe bio-polar disorder and, without my meds, I can have mild schitzophrenic tendencies .  Ok, cool. As Long as I knowwww what is wrong with me and how to treat it, I'm ok. I can handle it. \n\n   This person in your house, that might or might not have mental problems, may not even realize they have a problem. I know it took 3 years for us to decide/realize what was wrong with me.  Ever hear of an intervention. or are you the only one who feels this person has a problem? \n    No , you don't have the right to tell someone to 'get off the drugs' when they aren't on any and you KNOW that for a fact. ( Maybe tell them to start taking the RIGHT ones..it took me 8 years to get to the right 'cocktail' of meds I am on now so that I don't talk to the trees and don't cry when they don't answer me. LOL its not thaaat bad,  just kidding  a little But it does take time and cooperation on EVERYONE's part. ) Go to the person , offer what you've observed and offer to HELP said person get the help that they NEED, or to at least see someone and determine if they need anything. It sounds simple, but it isn't. I know. I had to hospitalize my husband twice in the first year we were married before we got him properly diagnosed/medicated for bipoler problems. It stinks and its hard, but up front is the only way to go. Just don't let that person doubt your love and  support for them. \nBy the way... you don't wanna know what all I am on!!
177486
It is possible for manic depression (bipolar disorder) to be your husbands case. The disorder affects .8% of every 100 people. In manic depression, there are two phases: first, is the mania phase. It is characterized by overconfidence, racing thougts, recklessness, and the need for little sleep. The second phase is the drpessive phase. It is the phase in which your husband may feel worthless, helpless, lose interest in normally pleasurable activities, sleep a lot, and think about death. The two phases will alternate extemporaneously: one moment he might be really happy, and the next he might be really down. Whatever the case, he needs to see a therapist or a psychologist. Things could get pretty nasty and detrimental.
1101162
I just wanted to say I am very sorry this happened to you. BIPOLAR disorder is a very serious and sad condition. I suffered with it for several years, and i Know how tuff it is. When you have bipolar disorder, you attach to people very easily because they are one of the only things that make you feel important. be proud of yourself because you were the light in his life for a period of time. Its not your fault he took his life, he had a disorder that made it hard for him to make good decisions. You where what made him happy, remember that, cause you gave him hope. You made his life happy while he was here. God Bless you, hope i have helped.
862135
Sweetheart...not sure why you titled this bi-polar husband...but your husband IS physically, verbally and emotionally abusing you and you need to get out NOW.  If he is bi-polar he can see a doctor and get on medication and then if you still want, the two of you can work on your marriage.  But for now...you need to leave...you are not helping either of you.  GBU
304609
If you go to your doctors {Primary Care Physican} and let Dr. know your concerns thats the first plcae to be evaluated, and the doc can take it from there and either referr you to another kind of Doc or treat you.\nBest Wishes\n\nP.S.\nSince you have recognized possible bipolar please \n"dont let it control you and lean on it as a crutch through life..." \nmeaning dont blame everything on having  B P...\n\nI have a close family member-teenage years-and she tends to act out more than ever and always says I cant help it \nits B.P. \nI suspect she is using it as an excuse to get her way with mommy n daddy,\nshe is now at the dating age and wants to run off with her boyfriend and gets away with it cause she blames it on B.P.\n\nSo please dont let it control you, YOU CONTROL IT!!!
864255
Well, first off, I must say that I am a little offended, because I didn't know that people were actually giving out this kind of advice. I am a bi-polar manic depressive, and I am marrying someone that is not. We have been together for 3 1/2 years already, and our relationship is fine. I wouldn't ever advise someone that they shouldn't marry someone they love just because they have bi-polar disorder. There is nothing wrong with us. We function just like everyone else, it's just that usually we need medication to help us do it. So called "normal" people have their own crutches instead of medication too...drinking, smoking, driving to fast, spending too much money, that kind of stuff. So what makes us so different that we shouldn't be able to marry people that the world has deemed "normal?"
374058
Bipolar = bad news\n\nRun for your life and find a new gal.
228272
I have dealt with this too. The best thing to do is for him to start back on his meds. But with someone with this condition you can not convince them. They have to decide for themselves and sometimes they do. You can try to talk to him when he is being nice if you think it is safe. But I know from experience their mood can change quickly. If he is not on his meds you should not be there. It can be dangerous. I know you care for him but you do not want something bad to happen. Find someone to live with until you have the money to move, a friend, a parent, someone.
592319
Bipolar Disease runs in my family, so I always get a little concerned when my moods shift suddenly.  In your case, I would definately suggest talking to someone...doctor, friend, family...its always best to let someone know where your mind and heart are at.  Hormones can also play a big part in your emotions, especially if your menstruating or are pregnant.  I dont know where your from, but Im from MA., and its been raining here for weeks on end.  The weather can also have a strong effect on your moods.  Be well sister!
776460
Ok you gotta do 3 things first is love...always love him always talk to him in a soft voice always make him realise that you love him...because if he will realise that you love him he wont throw as many tantrums....2nd is compromise...you gotta compromise living with a bi-polar person whenever he do faults just ignore it dont get mad at him or yell at him cuz if you will do that it will be a massive tantrum...THE biggest thing is attension stay there for him always spend time with him make sure that he knows that he have enough attension from you...in this way living a life with a bi-polar person can be lot easier..