My boyfriend has Bi-Polar Disorder.
He has his highs & lows. One extreme to another.
Does anyone have a relative, friend or partner with this condition?
2006-09-14 23:27:32 · 20 answers · asked by lelinafed 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have worked with people with bi polar disorder for nearly 20 years. It is essential that you make sure that your boyfriend takes his medication, also that if he is on lithium that is salt in take is kept to a minimum as this can effect his meds. Make sure he has regular blood tests and medical treatment, don't take no for an answer or let the doctors fob you off, live with it they don't. Living with mental illness is not easy Ive worked with people who have it for 20 years, but Ive also lived with it for 27 years.
2006-09-14 23:42:48 · answer #1 · answered by di 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior.
It is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person’s mood can alternate between mania (highs) and depression (lows). This change in mood or "mood swing" can last for hours, days weeks or months.
These swings can be severe, ranging from extreme energy to deep despair. The severity of the mood swings and the way they disrupt normal life activities distinguish bipolar mood episodes from ordinary mood changes.
If you are concerned about your boyfriend , help him get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve helping him find a doctor or therapist and make his first appointment. You may also want to offer go with him to his first appointment for support. Encourage him to stay with treatment. Keep reassuring him that, with time and help, he will feel better.
Treatment usually includes talk therapy, medication and support from people who understand.
More information on this website:
2006-09-14 23:55:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have Bipolar disorder. At least that's what they tell me:) Every other day I take it back. It's very frustrating. I have gone through a whole slew of meds trying to find one's that work and affordable. The one's that seem to work the best I can't get because I can't afford it and don't have health insurance. There are many mood stabilizer medicines and often times they are coupled with an anti-depressant to treat bipolar. It's a very harrowing experience trying to find the right meds. But, it's very rewarding when you do. And there are many other options besides lithium to treat the problem.
2006-09-14 23:35:32 · answer #3 · answered by Netta 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, my boyfriend is bi-polar. He is on lithium and wellbutrin. His taking this combination on a regular basis for over two years has helped considerably. Finding the right medication balance, and sometimes a little behavioral therapy can work wonders. Good luck!!!
2006-09-15 00:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by tarro 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know 3 people with bi-polar disorder...and...highs and lows is a great word for it. One of them also has serious deppressional issues as well, and she actually had to be hospitalized.
2006-09-14 23:38:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I myself have this condition..... it has been a huge problem in my life... with relationships and jobs. Plus I have a daughter with symptoms of bipolar and it is a difficult thing to live with. Just recently I was put on wellbutrin... which is for depression but so far I feel ok.
All I can say for you, is to educate yourself about this condition as much as possible so that you can help your boyfriend. Bipolar is an illness just like diabetes.
good luck with this
2006-09-14 23:37:55 · answer #6 · answered by blueyedangel71 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I do, and if he's on medication, you must frequently check how effective it is. My friend is on lithium, and his is in complete control, although some days he can seem a little "spaced out" - but he is severely bi-polar. Good luck.
2006-09-14 23:31:28 · answer #7 · answered by nert 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My father in law has it, but his condition has been stabalised for the past 10 years with medication. I've also worked with people whose condition is unmanaged.
Has your boyfriend been diagnosed? Is he recieving medication? A recent study showed that lithium is the only medication to stabalise moods, and using other medications can make it worse - he shouldn't be on anti-depressants for example.
Feel free to get in touch.
2006-09-14 23:29:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my ex flatmate had it, it was difficult at times, but you have to try to be supportive with the highs and lows. Particularly, I found the lows a bit intimidating, although the highs were usually associated with drugs and binge drinking....
If he gets out of control, there is medication that can help. Be strong and don't give up on him, I know how difficult it is.
2006-09-14 23:32:35 · answer #9 · answered by a_facchini 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes I'm the lucky one I have Bi-Polar ll which is even feelings and very very depressed
not a lovely picture
I just hope I don't pass it on to my child
which it can run in the family
2006-09-15 00:03:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋