#2 of 5/6 required posts to gain entry to chat support groups and private messaging of members... attempting to start a new thread here:
I am seeking to share with individuals who have experience living with someone you love who has Bipolar disorder. This is all somewhat new to me and I am overwhelmed with ...should I stay or should I go...I'm commtted to the traditionalist view - come hell or high water - our parents didn't bail and so shall we not...how much abuse and hurt can I take and stay sane...what do I do...where can I get help to survive the insanity... I have fairly recently moved in with a man I thought was one of the major loves in my life. I knew before hand he was dx last year (before my time)asw Bipolar and has been stabilized on on low dose, milder forms of medications. I made a conscious, informed decision to stay here with him. He has been wonderful to me until I confronted him re: his internet female friend and some compulsive behavior (rationalizing and denying the relationship ofcourse). Last night he entered into a full blown 'episode'. In reflection..creating a time line on paper of 'unusual' behaviors...I should have seen it coming. I am new to this, but I don't want to give up on him. During plateaus of stabilty - he is wonderful and our life is 'normal'. I have invested myself in helping him work through this but this episode was down right emotionally and verbally abusive. My biggest question: are the plateaus of 'normalcy' between swings - the real person - capable of love, honesty, trust, insight, good judgement and spirituality? Or are they merely a facade created by medications and temporary brain chemistry equalization?