[rdh1222]

My boyfriend was diagnosed as bipolar about a year ago. There is a lot more to it, but I have a question. He loves watching movies, in fact, he watches the same ones over and over again. He almost tries to make me sit and watch them with him. Even when they aren't, he will say, "it's a true story"...

so, here's the question....does he just like to live in the fictional world of movies to escape reality (because he won't even talk about the real issues that need to be dealt with), or does he really not have a grasp on what is real and what isn't? Just a question...any input would be appreciated!

[darkeyes]

I do not think this is due to Bipolar, but more of a preference/obsession to watch movies.
I've known a lot of people that will watch a movie over a few times, and they were not DXed with any disorders.
Yearly when certain movies are aired on TV, people will watch them over again. When there are marathons of certain movies or TV shows people will religiously watch them even though they have seen them.
I wouldn't get too upset with his movie watching, but try to have a talk with him about doing something different once in awhile.
Because he has a DX, try not to read into every thing,this just may be his personal character/personality.
I know it can be easy for one to feel that way once a person has been given a DX.
Does he take meds and sees a pdoc, periodically?
Med a pdoc appt compliancy can mean a world of difference, making life easier for him and you.
Please take care now,
DE

[rdh1222]

thanks for the quick reply! It's not that he watches movies that bothers me. I love to watch movies, it's that when he watches them, he says, "babe, this is real", but he won't deal with the REAL stuff in our lives, or even address it.

[darkeyes]

See if you can get an appt. with a therapist or couples counselling, maybe if he hears this from a person outside of your relationship, it may sink in.
Would he be willing to? If he wants to keep the relationship he needs to know how important this is.
If he is living in his created world, then it pretty much seems what you mention maybe part of this problem, avoiding reality, maybe he is in denial of having a DX.
Denial is common when one has been handed a DX, but in time it can be accepted and live with it, medications can help tremendously with some talk therapy too.
The therapist may help draw out of him what may be causing him to withdraw from the RL.
I wish you lots of luck, it is a difficult situation if or when a patient doesn't want help, but if compliant things can go well.

BTW
Is he in therapy already? Is he prescribed any meds?
Do you think all of this is more of a maturity problem?
I think starting off talking to a therapist/counsellar may help you both.

Take care now,
DE

[rdh1222]

He is in therapy and on meds. I think the DX actually relieved him. It made him realize the things he has done weren't all his fault. He takes his meds regularly, but hasn't been on them long (about 8 or 9 months)...I have been to therapy with him, I am doing all I can to educate myself about the disorder, but he doesn't do that. I'm not sure he really fully understands what is going on. He tends to put things far away in his head and tries to not have to think about or deal with them. He also thinks sort of irrationally. His priorities don't make sense to me or his family, but he fully believes that he is right and we are all wrong. He just doesn't think like we do. I can't make him see that no one's way is always right!

He doesn't really like talking about it, and I don't know what to do at this point. I'm just trying to learn more so I can do all I can do to help and not make it worse.

There is a lot more in his history and I'm not sure what makes him tick. He's afraid to be happy I think. Things were good for a long time, now they seem to be sinking again.

[darkeyes]

It may be a time for his pdoc to change meds or dosages, even add a new one/take away one.
We can go for so long with one type, then sometimes they konk out and pdoc will have to switch to something different.
If you haven't already, maybe ask the pdoc about the meds. and if they have lost their efficacy, or needed dosage change,etc.
Good luck,
DE