can u live with a bipolar person?

Answer 1

I'm bipolar and I admit, it takes a special person to live with a person like me. I think that if you know the person is bipolar and take it into account, you can live with them. If you have no patience however, it won't work.

Answer 2

Hi,
I must say I am very disappointed and strangely hurt by the answers so far. It's like the taboo of any mental illness goes on. We (my peers) were hoping for some progress...sigh
Anyway, to answer your question... yes!!! you can live with a person that is bipolar.... and perfectly fine. I am Bipolar, I take care of myself, I take my medications and my mood stays stable almost all of the time. I've had it long enough to be able to tell when a shift is coming and I can waylay the worst of it until it is over. Medications can't cover me 100% of the time but most of the time. My Husband and I have been together 26 years. I wish he were here to answer this for you, himself. But we have weathered everything together. A year ago, I had Breast Cancer but still with my Bipolarism. Having Cancer was much better understood. See, some women have mental issues arise when they hear the words "you have Breast Cancer" and they "treat" you all the way around, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, spiritually & mentally.
I was blessed all the way around. I am now Cancer Free, had no onset of mental issues arise because of the diagnosis and my Bipolarism never raised it's head during all this. Can you see what I am trying to say here...physical maladies are accepted and understood. But mental issues, we are all clumped together and labled just crazy...and to stay away. sigh... Get wise people, please!

Answer 3

I sure hope so because I am Bipolar. I am on meds and will be every day of my life. It took me 20 years to find the right Dr. and right meds that work for me. People who are bipolar need to take meds so their lives are more in control. I am a 47, female, mother of 2 grown children, finally a grandma, hard worker, great friend and very happy - it can be accomplished.

The friends and family of people with bipolar need to be educated on recognizing the signs of mania so they can alert them that the mania may be starting.

Try this website for more info - don't need to buy anything - just read the various articles. Good luck!!!!

http://www.bipolarcentral.com

Answer 4

I guess I could, why? Anyway, as long as I don't feel unsafe around them. I know that they can also jeopardize their own safety, but I'm resolved in knowing that I can't be there 24/7. I would just do what I can when I'm not at work or out.

Anyway, a person won't necessarily be lonely because they're bipolar. I live by myself, and have no friends, but have a clean bill of health. It's all based on probability, luck, and a little bit of Karma. People are struck with happiness completely at random.

Answer 5

"If someone you love has a mental disorder, remember that a listening ear, a helping hand, and an open mind can help that one to survive--and even to thrive."

When Someone You Love Has a Mental Disorder
- Recognize symptoms.
- Become informed.
- Pursure treatment.
- Encourage the sufferer to seek help.
- Aviod placing blame.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Stay Connected.
- Consider the needs of other family members.
- Promote good health practices. - Take care of yourself.
- Some Warning Signs of Mental Disorders.
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/9/8/article_01.htm

Answer 6

a bipolar person is very hard to live wit they have many feelings and can have very mixed signals so take per cautions

Answer 7

Either they understand that they need to take meds every day for the rest of their lives, or they don't. If they do, you can work it out. If they don't, run and don't look back.

Answer 8

yeah. i live with two bipolar people.

Answer 9

It is an unfortunate illness and it is not the fault of anyone, you or the person with whom you are living.

Few things which you can follow to help yourself, and by doing so your loved ones (if they are) as well.

a. You cannot fix the person with bipolar. There is nothing you can do to make him or her well, so don't feel compelled to try. What you can do is be supportive, loving and handling the everyday details and practical issues of life that he or she cannot cope with.

b. All members of the family have a responsibility to cope with the illness. Escape is not a helpful way of dealing with crisis. You all need each other.

c. The ill person must recognize and accept the illness, be willing to receive treatment, and if possible, learn to manage the illness. If the ill spouse is not willing to do these things, it may become impossible for the family to continue to support him or her. The family is not required to throw away their own lives for someone who refuses to cooperate. There are limits and they must be enforced without feelings of guilt.

d. Educate yourself concerning every aspect of the illness. Education brings compassion. Ignorance just encourages anger and fear.

e. Grieve your loss. It is a great loss. You need to allow yourself the time and energy to experience the entire process of grieving.

f. Get help for yourself to cope with this incredible challenge, either from your own counselor or a support group. You can't do it alone. Don't refuse to recognize your own need for help, just because the ill spouse is getting most of the attention.

g. Help your children understand the illness as much as their age allows. NO FAMILY SECRETS. Don't deny them the opportunity to learn about the illness, the unfair stigma attached to it, and developing their own skills in coping. It can be an incredible learning opportunity for them. If they need proof and help to understand it and their own feelings, get it for them.

h. Try to create a safe environment for the person to express himself/herself without feeling threatened, constrained or condemned. He or she desperately needs a nurturing, safe place to express the incredible frustration he or she is feeling about coping with mental illness.

i. Never put yourself or others in physical danger. If you sense the person is becoming dangerous, you should leave and call for professional help. You should never tolerate abuse of you or your children. Trust your instincts and intuitions on this one. Say, "no way" and mean it.

j. Become the person's advocate with the medical professionals, assertively involved in his treatment and medications. If the medical professional or psychiatrist won't cooperate with you, demand a different one! Treatment should involve the entire family, so find a professional who will work with the whole family. You know more about your spouse's illness than anyone else. Trust your instincts.

k. Coldly assess what the person can and cannot handle, the compensate assertively. Some people with mental illness cannot handle money, some household chores, time commitments and too much stress. You must not do things for your spouse that he or she can do for themselves. Don't rob him or her of their dignity

l. Maintain your own identity; resist becoming consumed with the person's illness. Life goes on. You have an obligation to yourself and your children to take care of yourself and meet your own needs. You all must continue to develop your own interests and talents. You are a valuable human being, so don't play the martyr role and sacrifice yourself. That's just self pity. "Get a life."

m. Always hope for healing. The medications do work and new ones are being developed. You may get your spouse back whole some day. If nothing else, the experience will broaden and deepen you in ways you never imagined. Or, you can choose to let it destroy you, your family and your marriage. It is your choice.

Keep in mind that bad things happen to good people and you're no exception. You have not been singled out for a special persecution. Trying to make good choices in life won't protect you from misfortune. You haven't been "dumb" to "get yourself in this situation." It is not your fault. Life is not easy, we have to take what we get and make the best of it.

Answer 10

I think half of the people in my family are bi polar... and I still talk to them... with treatment anything is possible!