Bipolar Partner Help

I need some help. I am completely inexperienced with bipolar disorder. I've been with my partner for 3 years (known for 5) and never had this happen before. We are having financial trouble and she has been unable to get her medication for her bipolar I disorder. She's become more agitated and restless, unable to sleep well, and she's becoming unrealistic and over enthusiastic about things. I'm worried she's becoming manic, and I'm not sure how to keep her in reality. I told her to talk to me before she makes any big decisions. Am I being naïve? What can I do to help her? She can't get any medication until next week! I'm very inexperienced in this area and I'm really worried about her!

Thank you for your help.

Hi PeacockAngel16. Welcome to Psych Central. Sorry your partner is suffering from bipolar. That is challenging when on meds but can be very difficult when untreated.

Mania is a serious problem because the person can lose touch with reality in a psychotic episode. The problem in mania is often not being able to sleep. Sleep aids may help in the absence of professionally prescribed meds, but check with your doctor or pharmacist to see what might be suitable.

I do not know the reason they cannot get meds till next week, but you indicate financial difficulties, but I would be on the phone to doctor tomorrow and tell their doctor about these symptoms and ask if they have any free samples of meds that could tide them over to next week. If not ask them what options are available to them in the home or other places.

you can call the drug manufacturer and often they will provide samples or a free supply. There may be organizations in your area that will help.

If you are not yet set up as their durable power of attorney and or health care proxy, you would do well to set these up. Even forms downloaded online could be used for free and notarized at the bank you do business with for free usually. If you are married this might be less critical, but unmarried partners have limited or no rights if your partner can no longer make decisions and you must step in. Having those documents can mean less frustration and more options for helping your partner get better and seeing them if they are hospitalized. In fact while you are at the bank see what you must do to handle their financial affairs.

If your partner shows signs of suicidal tendencies, extreme depression or feeling invincible and losing touch with reality, then if they will allow it, you may try to have them evaluated in the Emergency Room or by their psych doctor (preferably if available on an emergency basis) for the need to be hospitalized or medicated. Also make sure no weapons or sharp knives are easily available.

Having the documents I mentioned above would make that so much easier and less frustrating. If they are dangerous to themselves or others, you can call police and they may have them psychologically evaluated. This is not done lightly but in extreme situations where people are at risk, certainly it can be a good step to consider. I would explain to the police about how they are under treatment of a psychiatrist and they have not been taking their medication.

Also you may want to post in this forum and see what kind of responses you get
https://forums.psychcentral.com/part...ivers-support/

Thank you so much! That helps a lot. Also thank you for pointing out that forum to me. I didn't realize it was there.