I am newly dating/friends with an individual that is diagnosed w/Rapid-Cycling Bipolar d/o many years ago. It was disclosed to me the second date and I feel "everyone has something". There are also a few addictions intertwined that are "sustaining works in progress" and doing exceptional for years (ex: alcoholism (AA), eating d/o, gambling addiction). In the past month stating "I need to get to the hospital because my meds aren't working right". During this time I noticed a very mild manic episode (with some shopping/purchases included) and the past two weeks depression - listless, sleeping most of the day and night, only wanting to eat sweets/junk food, etc. I visited the hospital yesterday and no new meds yet but looks like the little shining light is dimmer than it has ever been - if that makes any sense.
My question is three-fold. First, I really like this person a great deal, we have fun, compatible, very at ease w/each other, seem to balance each other personality wise, strong attraction - then I get the feelings of being put-off every once in a while - when I addressed it I was told that its not me at all but the bipolar mind. I'm concerned how will it be/what I'm (I hate to say it this way, please don't judge me on this I'm only being honest) in store for? Second, this person is VERY med sensitive - is it uncommon for meds to work, then not to work for a period of time, what could cause that? Third, has anyone had any success with particular psychotherapies/treatment that work with rapid-cycling type bipolar?
Thank you