I wanted to ask people with bipolar what you feel the role of your boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, significant other is.

I guess it's different if the person you are with knows about the bipolar before they get into the relationship. So please reply as best as you can and include if they knew about the bipolar before.

Are we to treat this like any other relationship. A party of two equals? When there are signs of stress and episodes occurring, what is the other to do? Should we be the punching bags? Should we be the psychologist? Should we be fixer to problems? Should we try to talk normal to you when you're not acting normal? Should we just monitor from afar? Should we remove ourselves from your area?

My biggest issue with my gf was her ranting abusive things which at times would include her breaking things. I started by arguing back, which never went anywhere. Then it turned into just letting her rant. I wanted her to get help.

I suggested that she seek help. I offered to go with her to every appointment which she always insisted she go by herself. Should I have done it for her? Should I have made the appointment myself, put her in the car and just take her? Should I have forced myself into her care, even though she was resistant at first?

What does your significant other do?