Any advice for the partner of someone diagnosed with Manic Depression?

Question

Our relationship is longstanding and I don't want to be scared off!!! I need to understand more how this thing works and just how supportive I can be. Is he better ignored when in a depressive stage or encouraged to talk it though? When in a manic mood he makes me laugh BUT then tends to be outrageous!! I need to be educated please........

Answer 1

No standing. Make sure your safety harness is fastened and snug. Please keep your hands inside the ride at all times. Life on a roller coaster can be fun. If you prefer a flatter ride their are medications to lower the hills and raise the valleys. Just remember you already know him and love him. The diagnosis itself should not be allowed to change the relationship. A diagnosis should be seen simply as a label used by professionals to aid them in their treatment of an individual.

Answer 2

Hi - I suffer from alcoholism, depression, and MAYBE bipolar (the docs can't tell at the moment)... so I hope I have something useful to share from my experience.


I think that it might be helpful for you to attend a support group for family members of bipolars/depressives/whatever. The tendency may be for you to try to "fix" him, but that won't work. Bipolar can be VERY dangerous. When someone is in a manic state, they may do things that are harmful to them or others. Does he drink or use drugs? Those can make it even worse.

I would say also not to give him advice. Just be a good listener. He will NOT "snap out of it." He needs treatment. Bipolar is an illness, just like diabetes, cancer, alcholism, etc. These do not just go away, and they need to be treated and managed. If his illness is affecting you adversely, you may someday find that you need to break off the realtionship. But it's always "one day at a time," for the sufferer, and for the loved ones as well. I wish you the best...keep asking questions... Jack

Answer 3

Living with someone who has manic depression is not easy.
The mood swings might not always make you laugh and if you are able to be what you think is supportive the person involved with the illness might find it intrusive.
Learning to see the warning signs always helps and if you are able to offer constructive support that helps.
Also my strongest advise is for you to not neglect your own needs live your own life and find self help otherwise you might become ill and this is no good to either of you.

Monitoring medication and making sure your partner takes his medicine can be a strain on both of you.
Talking should be done during the periods of wellness.

Looking after people is very commendable but please please remember you also need a life .
Good luck

Answer 4

Its really not easy being with someone who has Manic depression, its hard enough being with someone who just has depression but all you can do is try to let alot of things go over your head and try to be as laid back as you possibly can. Only you will know how to deal with it, but it will take time as everyone suffers differently! i don't think anyone can help you but you will need someone to talk to for yourself because this will be a very stressful time for you. Like i already said tho, in time you will learn what works and what doesn't! Maybe counselling for you could be a good idea.

Answer 5

My brother was manic depressive/bipolar. He usually wanted to be around people when up and alone when down. You can't change anything about his situation, but you can be supportive, esp. in his getting the medical attention he needs. Consistency in taking meds and a stable partner are a big boon to controlling the highs and lows. Good luck, it is challenging.

Answer 6

Find a depression website and read it up. I`d try to make him talk things through when he is in a depressive state personally. Ignore all the idiots on hear that are taking the piss, they obviously havent got a clue

Answer 7

i'm in straightforward terms 19 yet no many things approximately melancholy and stress being i'm going through the two considered one of them severely. i smoke pot to help them yet while your uncomfortable with that decision there is others. gaining understanding of meditation is amazingly powerful while performed top. it actually makes all the phobia, melancholy, racing suggestions etc. vanish. it does come back after awhile, yet yet another 20 30 min consultation will help it. it's going to help with sleep too. I certainly have been by each factor you indexed he's dealing with. the sleeplessness, the disturbed sleep, melancholy, stress, panic, no feeling of administration etc. each thing. my condolences to his mom. my mom basically lost her mom (my grandma) in a vehicle twist of fate and that i observed first hand how grieving it is on somebody. in case you reside in a state the place it is chilly in the time of the iciness, the shortness of sunlight, brutal chilly and cabin fever will in straightforward terms make it worse. possibly take a holiday the place it is heat if low priced. yet deffinately make beneficial he can get the help he desires reason there is not any longer something worse then feeling such as you are going to die on a daily basis. it is extremely terrible. he would be ok, he basically desires help on the 2d. i might lay off caffeine, alcohol, prescription soreness killers and ward off adverse human beings, places and circumstances in any respect expenses. seek advice from a doctor in case you could, or circulate online and get the numbers of a few over the telephone therapists via fact they could additionally help. it's going to artwork out, believe me. i'm very sorry to pay attention what he and you're dealing with. it is going to likely be completely large.

Answer 8

listening is the best if they dont want to talk thats fine its just understanding and because youre not going threw it be patient so if your partner is going on meds hopefully you will see a difference and the person you feel in love with will be back its not nice as i can understand but i hop you get threw it at least your there? good luck

Answer 9

hi there, i suffer from, its now called Bi Polar affected disorder, i was sectioned nearly 5 yrs ago, am on medication and have a good understanding of how it feels to be in that position and how others deal with it too as my children and friends know me well. if i can help in any way pease feel free to email me and maybe i can help in some way.

Answer 10

just let him know you're there,but be subtle about it,even if he says he doesn't need you that's when he needs you the most that's why you have to be subtle don't be too hands on and get some help for both of you so you can deal with his condition as a couple.