Thanks for the reply ChipperMonkey, and I'm sorry to here about your struggles with PTSD. I'm actually in medical school to be a psychiatrist, so I do possess quite a bit of knowledge on bipolar disorder. I do not believe he falls into the category of type I or type II, but is more of a combination of the two. He is not medicated and refuses to seek help. He also manifests some PTSD symptoms as a result of childhood abuse. However, he strongly dislikes talking about it and I don't know all the details. I strongly believe each mental health victim is different and we can't over categorize them. I would personally treat a patient with PTSD from sexual abuse far differently than a patient with PTSD that's a returning soldier.

I understand what you're saying that his disorder is a very specific reason, but I meant a reason in terms of something wrong with our relationship. I know I need to give a lot for this relationship to work, and I was hoping someone that could relate could help me figure out what I need to give. Many bipolar patients keep their relationships alive by actually having their loved one around despite feeling like they want to be alone. Before the distance when we were together, my physical presence is what really helped him control his depression.