I need help with a Bipolar person!?

Question

My boyfriend is Bipolar and I do not know what to do. We have recently starting becoming more serious and I want to be a help to him instead of a hinderance but am not sure what he needs or wants me to do and not do. Any suggestions or ideas from people experienced in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I think that the most impotant thing is to be there for him. Unconditional love is the most important, as with anyone. When he is depressed, just physically being there is the most important. When manic, you probably won't be able to reason with him - but after the episode is different, talk about it. With me the feelings and thoughts can still lerk in my head and I need help to "rationalize" them to realize how I should feel. Also, read some memiors they help to see different experiences 1st hand (lizzie simon's is my favorite & kay redfield jamison is very well known)

Answer 2

It depends on what type and how severe it is. Most people with Bipolar I Disorder need maintenance medication. It's also not a bad idea for them to have some psychotherapy to help them deal more efficiently with stress and the psychological aspects of having the illness. Be supportive and make sure he takes his meds. Also, learn about bipolar disorder and be aware of the early signs of an episode. Changes in mood, sleep, appetite, energy levels and behavior can be symptoms of an episode.

Answer 3

My dad was bipolar, as well as my sister and it is hard, so i completely understand where you are coming from. Some people have Bipolar disorder worse than others, some wouldn't even know they had it while others have a serious case of it. One moment they can be happy or calm and the next they are upset and thinking the world is out to get them.

Best thing to do is don't keep asking "are youok, do you need anything etc.". That just aggravates them as you could understand... Just be there to listen to him when he is in the mood to be open. Act normal, as you would if this disorder was not even there. Try going out to fun places you both like, taking walks, anything relaxing etc.

With my dad when he was in a bad state one day i would take him horseback riding because we had great memories there, and he loved horseback riding. Immediately he would be happy! Try doing things like that....

I know its hard but hang in there!

Answer 4

I have bipolar (and other things too) and I have friends and are getting help for this,the best thing Is get an understanding of what the bipolar is doing to him,for Instance my case causes memory problems anxiety and I just cant conect the dots when people speak to me I also overreact.

For me now I finally am getting the help I need and I am takeing medication that helps me,NOT all medication works for everyone and get doctors that know about this disorder,I found that medical doctors dont trully understand this disorder and presribe the wrong medicine wich Is what happened to me.

I now am takeing Saraquel and lamictal for my bipolar and Adderal for my ADHD and this medication all helps me ,It took a team to help me and for the first time In my life I am enjoying my life,I cnat tell you my mind dont get stuck as I call It but my Interest have changed and my attitude.

I hope this helps you,1 more thing Is It helped me for a friend to come with me to the Doctore to tell them what Is going on In my life and about the changes and whats still wrong and I am thanfull for this.

I hope this helps you as It did me

Answer 5

He will need lots of support from you, and from his family and friends. That's the best thing you can do for him. I am assuming of course that he is an adult, and knows right from wrong. Since he does, don't let him use bi-polar as a excuse for misdeeds and bad behavior. He has mood swings, and sometimes the things he may do might be mean or pretty harsh. My fiance always brings it to my attention and says "Hey that was uncalled for" or "That was mean and rude." When he calls me on my misbehavior, I apologize. I also make sure to take responsibility for what I do, because I do know right from wrong, and I am an adult, and I don't want people to think that I blame what's wrong with me for everything I do. I make the choice to do things, and while the choices I make might be unrealistic and irresponsilbe, they are still my choices to make and my responsibility. The best thing my fiance and my family does for me is show me constant support, regardless of what it is that I do or say. I wish you both the best of luck.

Answer 6

this is for him: (my best guess is there is a dietary problem plus hereditary factors... of course it's no substitute for doctors, but you may want to get on a correct diet first)

anyone who is depressive should take a good multivitamin most days with a meal. while you are at it take a calcium+magnesium pill, unless by some miracle you get enough calcium. (or you take a calcium-based antacid) also, get lots of beneficial fatty acids. you should try taking a gram of fish oil daily, it can do wonders.

then try getting lots of sunlight. get some vigorous cardiovascular exercise as often as you can. practise good posture and learn a little about basic yoga postures and t'ai chi warmups. posture has a large impact on your sense of well-being. always work to expand your approach to and understanding of fitness. core strength is crucial.

eat a varied very high protein, high fiber diet low in saturated fats and refined carbs. shun additives and preservatives. you want fresh whole foods, not overcooked. eat leafy greens and colourful vegetables. eat tree nuts,eat fish, eat more fish, the more nutritious fruits (berries, etc.), herbs, legumes, and some grains. don't eat sweets or drink sweet/sour drinks, especially soda. instead eat fruit. diet really really really matters. it has a slow cumulative effect. I know these diet changes can be inconvenient and costly. However, because the alternative occasionally involves hospitalization, and because the overall quality of your life will improve on this diet, I believe it is necessary.

stay hydrated. this can be a matter of simply avoiding certain foods that dehydrate you.

that's all that comes to mind. If you use caffeine, try 3 weeks off. If that's no good, consider optimal dosage and timing relative to work/sleep. you may wanna look into ginseng.

Answer 7

I am bipolar also, and the best thing that you can do for him is to give him space. Allow certain times of the day when if you live together you do something alone in the house this way he wont worry and he will be able to be alone and have his space, we need that and it is vital to our recovery. hope this helps

Answer 8

My best friend, of years, is bipolar. All I can tell you is that you will need to support him when you most feel like throttling him instead, and that requires a LOT of love and patience...and a good sense of humor doesn't hurt a bit.

Answer 9

If he's not on medications and not getting therapy, it will only get worse. And there is NOTHING you can do. I'm not saying that it's impossible for bipolar persons to be in relationships.....but if they won't get treated....that DOES make it impossible. If he refuses, you need to walk away from him. If he doesn't care about himself---you know he really doesn't care about you either.

If he is getting medications/therapy.....and he still has difficulties.....there is still nothing you can do. If you want to stick it out, just keep in mind that this will be a life-long problem that he will always be fighting. It's part of the disease for them to think that they are fine and don't need help. Of course, their not.

Answer 10

See bipolar on this page below. It has advice on how to make it much much better. Also it has some very uplifting stories about people who had/have it.

http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html