Hi All..

I'm new to the group. I'm hoping that someone can give me a glimmer of hope for my failing relationship.

I've recently been diagnosed with Bipolar II after been treated for Clinical Depression for the last 13 years. I was alerted to the possibility of being bipolar after my partner of 7 months constantly complained that being with me felt like being on a " rollercoaster" ride. My emotions have varied from being completely happy to intense feelings of sadness and ending up in fits of uncontrollable weeping within a few minutes. I've always just put it down to being a part of my personality and being overly sensitive. I've had numerous failed relationships because of my mood instability...but have never seen the magnitude of my instability until my current relationship.

I'm terrified that my relationship is going to end because my partner finds it very difficult to cope with my irrationality and intense mood swings. I feel terrible for the way my behaviour is affecting him and i feel that i need to "walk away" from the relationship as i am making him miserable. At the same time, i love him dearly and i'm finding it really hard to end the relationship. He is miserable and feels that he is giving the relationship "one last chance".

If anyone out there is in a similar situation or has been in one, please give me some advice on how to cope with this. I'm really struggling. My self esteem has hit rock bottom and in turn it is adding further insecurities to an already existing complicated relationship. Also, if anyone knows of any helpful books (not too long or unecessary jargon) that my partner could read in order to be able to understand me a little better.

I'm feeling really depressed and desperate right now. Anything would be helpful.

Thanks