Hi Hartbroken,

I'm sorry you're struggling with your disorder and whether to get married or not. When I was 20 I was diagnosed Bipolar NOS but it got changed a few years ago to BPD. I'll try to answer your questions as best as I can...

1. How many of you who are bipolar unspecified are happily married?
I was married when I was 20 but ended up divorcing 4 years later. This had nothing to do with the disorder though, it was the person. I've maintained many long-term stable relationships without any problems though.

2. Can you manage your stress?
I can manage stress fairly well. I'm a high-functioning BPD. I think the ability to cope has a lot to do with your medication and therapy.

3. Does your mate understand you as well as possible?
My bf is extremely understanding. He definitely has those moments where he gets frustrated and doesn't understand why I can't "snap out of it" but overall he gets it.

4. Have there ever been times your mate wishes they weren't married to you?
Everyone goes through that from time to time... no relationship is perfect.

5. Have you been in the hospital since you've been married, due to stressors of being part of the household to make money, spend it wisely, and deal with marital issues?
No I haven't, but I've also had a lot of therapy and found a really good balance in my medication.

I don't know if any of that helps you very much, but I'd like to give you an opinion. Marriage is not that much different than a committed long-term relationship... it is just legalized with a certificate and you get a better tax-break. It may seem like there is this huge responsibility to provide, protect, take care of, but if you've managed a relationship with her for this long; I think you'll be ok. I'm not trying to minimize what marriage is because it is an obvious symbol of love, but life doesn't change just because you're married. If you're ready, do it... if you're not, wait until you are. Best of luck!