I've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, have been in a stable relationship for a year. My partner has no mental health issues, does not know much about bipolar but tries to understand.

are the plateaus of 'normalcy' between swings - the real person - capable of love, honesty, trust, insight, good judgement and spirituality?

Yes. Absolutely.

There are different things that can trigger an episode - changes in surroundings, stress, things like that. Usually coming off medication triggers an episode, too. Sometimes - the trigger can't be indicated. It just happens.

You may want to learn to recognize these triggers - you probably have studied those already.

Or are they merely a facade created by medications and temporary brain chemistry equalization?

If the person acts normally, feels good, then it's okay.

Well.. I don't like to say that you have to take medication for bipolar (or anything else) forever.. But if there is a medication that works, doesn't cause terrible side effects, and if without it you go on an episode, I won't deny that it is beneficial to keep on taking that med.

But there are other ways to equalize the brain chemistry. Besides, that is just one theory of why these "illnesses" happen - I don't know if it is right but currently it's the one that makes sense.

Medication treats symptoms, but does not remove the root problems. Therapy is for that. I wonder if your partner has a therapist?

You could try seeking one as well, or join a support group for the families of bipolar patients or something. I'm not saying you're crazy, because for therapy you don't have to be crazy, but living with someone with an issue like bipolar is really tough and energy-consuming.

I should know. I tried for 5 months and I'm still recovering from that.

Also, you mentioned your partner's last episode was emotionally abusive towards you. For that, you could use support.

Anyway, I'll end this long ramble here. Hope it was of any help and hope I didn't sound too much of a wise *****. Best of luck to you.

Katie