Relationship w/bipolar partner

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-03-2006
Relationship w/bipolar partner
4
Sun, 12-03-2006 - 6:29pm

Not sure if this is the place to post this but...here goes. If I'm on the wrong board can someone direct me to the right place to be?

I'm just starting out in a relationship with a man who is recently diagnosed as bipolar. I want to learn all I can about his disgnosis and how I can help him deal with it effectively. Where do I go? I've been reading a book, Living Will With Depresson and Bipolar, but somehow I don't think one book is going to give me all the answers. Can anyone help me? Thank you in advance.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2006
Sun, 12-03-2006 - 7:39pm

Well I kinda of new also, But I am BP. And, yes this is for sure a board to get answers,support and good advice. That's great that you won't to learn all you can on BP, because of your spouce and yall's relationship. But I'm not sure we ever learn everything, that's the thing about BP, we cycle so much that we can't keep up. But don't give up. My DH has been dealing with this for 14 years. Sometimes, I get scared and think maybe he's at the end of his rope. Because, its a long journey.

What med"s does he take? How long has he been Bipolar?

Good Luck, ANd, we are here

Shelia

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2005
Sun, 12-03-2006 - 9:28pm

Hi and welcome!
You are in the right place, hopefully we can help and answer some, or all, of your questions and be there when you need to understand whats going on with him. Feel free to post as much as you want, everyone is really nice and helpful, the board is somewhat dead on the weekends at times, because people only have access at work, but it is pretty busy during the week. There is usually at least one person around pretty much all the time though.

Glad to see you here
Rebekah

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-03-2006
Sun, 12-03-2006 - 10:04pm
He's on Valproic Acid and he thinks he had his first episode in high school. He's 29 now. He's asked me to keep an eye on him and get in tune with his diagnosis so that if he starts to have an episode I can see the signs and let him know. Is this a reasonable request on his part? It goes completely against my nature to judge someone and their emotions. I know we all have good days and bad days...so I'm wary of being hyperaware and making him feel like he's under a microscope.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-03-2006
Sun, 12-03-2006 - 10:07pm
Thanks for making me feel welcome. I'm here seeking tips and advice, maybe an idea of what I should be aware of, ways your own partners have helped you out....anything will help.