We have 4 children I had two from prior. Only recently diagnosed but had mental issues for most of life which I was very honest with husband within hours of our friendship going from friends to something more. He needed to know what he was getting into. Because of the children I try hard to keep my harsher moods out of the home. When they come on I take a walk or go into my room. Of course they last longer than I can disappear so my husband does take over and basically does the things I cannot. That includes the shopping, appointments, cooking, etc. in our personal life when we stumble we are both there for each other. He helps to keep me self aware and I allow him to remind me and tell me when I need to calm down or take a moment. He knows the things I say I don't always mean and doesn't retaliate. He's very patient. We have been married for 8 years and if not for the bipolar things would be rainbows and butterfly's. How boring would that be? I think the key for us is I'm very flighty, high strung, but determined to hold down our family and keep getting well. He is calm, patient, and also determined to hold down our family. If not for my husband and children I would have never got help and I would not continue taking these darn meds.

I would hope your girlfriend would want to seek help if not for herself then for the one/ones she loves. It's very possible you might have to make those first steps for her. I took my husband with me to my first appointment. To make sure I would go and to help me talk to doc. I hope you find some peace. Talk to her tell her how you feel. Try to be patient and don't feed into her misdirected moods. Hope you find a solution.

No matter how small, a positive change deserves to be celebrated!