hello everyone, i'll try to keep this short but i'll give a TLDR: i'm wondering what my boyfriends manic episodes will look like now that he is getting treatment. i experienced his first ever manic episode, and it was very confusing, stressful, and unsettling, and i'm worried that all his manic episodes will be a repeat of what we've already been through. any insight?

for more context, i've been seeking some guidance regarding my partner's new diagnosis with bipolar 1. he had his first ever manic episode this past june, and it was a huge shock to us all. when his mood began to shift, i didn't understand what was going on at all and felt confused and lost. the person i loved was turning into a stranger in front of me.

as things progressively got worse, i convinced him to see a doctor where they told me his diagnosis. however, his mania was very severe, coupled with full blown psychosis which made him unwilling to accept what was happening or that anything was wrong. he lashed out at me, saying hurtful things or blaming me for thinking that he needed help, and even got aggressive at times--characteristics that are completely opposite to his usual kind and sensitive personality. finally, after 3 painful months (including multiple forced hospitalizations, and several times on and off his medication) he began to get better. now 6 months after his diagnosis he has found a good therapist and medication which works for him, and he seems much more stable.

im happy that hes gotten better because it was such a relief to see the man i loved come back to me again, but now im thinking about the future. with this new factor in our relationship, i'm worried how it will affect us long term. i was hoping to get some insight from people who have lived with this disorder or have loved ones that experience it.

what should i expect during his future manic episodes now that hes on medication and getting treatment? will it always be as severe as this first one (i.e. should i expect him to be involuntarily hospitalized and refuse treatment every time his mania resurfaces? will he be as withdrawn and angry towards me, or is it possible that he will be more controlled?). i know that everyone deals with this differently, but any personal experience or advice you may be able to offer would be incredibly appreciated.