
Jun 03, 2016, 05:24 PM
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Member Since: May 2016
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Innerzone
I've only experienced your situation/side of things in a relationship with someone with borderline personality issues. Not saying there's not BP, but there's a lot of classic borderline behavior in there. (Might be both. We can't diagnose or anything, but it's something to consider.)
Classic borderline things that stand out in that would be the whole push/pull relationship thing. Turn on a dime irritability, blaming you for it (fear/self-defense via projection/black-white blaming -- says will get help, but doesn't because it requires owning one's part in conflict, and that is too painful. This might also explain the "no time" when talking it out is suggested.). Yelling at you making you feel like ****, taking off, then desperately coming back. I hate you. Don't leave me. Over and over again. For 2 years?(!) A pervasive pattern of unstable relationships is absolute hallmark of borderline. (It is not among the criteria for diagnosing bipolar.)
Unfortunately, that doesn't change things terribly much for you. But. Bipolar is much more responsive to meds than borderline is. The most effective approach to borderline is a therapy called DBT. As DBT requires dedication to be effective, it might be worth seeing if she'll take the meds approach first, and see if that brings things to a more manageable level then go from there.
But honestly, you should begin by deeply considering if the relationship is worth it. You also need to evaluate your capacity to handle it. YOUR well-being is important too, after all.
Just compelled to point out that this isn't a given with Bipolar. (For instance, I can say in 100% truth I've never sought "greener pastures". And was with my ex for 25 years. Threads on the topic bear out that there are quite a few others too.) Granted, divorce rates are high. In reading on here, it seems that it is most problematic for those who have manias that manifest in serious spending (ruin lives kind of levels) and/or whose hypersexuality is taken outside of an intendedly monogamous relationship. Those are particularly hard on relationships (of course!) But not all bipolars' manias take those courses. Just sayin'.
Best of luck to you, Revraen. Whatever you choose.
(One tip though. NO contact is best (I've seen many say necessary) following breaking it off. Again, for your own sanity.)
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Thank you for your detailed response!! Although I'm very aware that I am far from perfect and can suffer from depression at times, it is good to know that there is some agreement. After being told over and over that I must be the reason for her own happiness, you start to believe it. Along with many other things. So far this site is keeping me semi-sane.
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