I am not an expert, and also not bipolar. BUT I am married to a man who is just being officially diagnosed bipolar & we have been on this volatile road for 6 years now. He does not respond to meds. Most notable when depressed. Nothing seems to give him relief. I believe he cycles in, then out more like an algorithm, meaning very down in the winter, and full throttle during nice weather. Neither is a picnic to deal with. I am however, the opposite of you in that I just told him I will never leave him when he is depressed, as he needs support. BUT I am now ready to leave him as soon as he decides to have mania again. He is so mean, loud, chaotic and angry while manic. It is just more than mt mental stability can handle. Because he usually gets prescribed bipolar meds while depressed, I believe his doctors weren't sure if he is bipolar, so he was on antidepressants for the past 3 years, which didn't help him from depression, and certainly didn't stop his whirlwind mania. He wouldn't adhere to the discontinuation of his anti depression, meaning he weaned off it 3x slower than recommended. And didn't take his lamictal as prescribed either. He was prescribed the lowest does of it, and literally cut it in 1/2 and only took one at night instead of twice daily. When I confronted him about it he got very angry with me.I tried the reasoning to him that if he is manic now he will get equally depressed eventually, at which point he shouted "mind your own business!"


I guess I am wanting to forewarn you that if your boyfriend isn't mindful of his illness and being proactive, I'd advise you to be careful in how much or quickly you invest in this relationship. It is exhausting! Like I said earlier, I am supporting my husband (while being resentful as well) but his next mania will likely have me packing my bags. I cannot do this much longer. Please listen to your inner voice in this. It IS his responsibility. Not yours. Good luck.