What experiences have you had living with someone who has been diagnosed with Bipolar?

Question

Negative or otherwise

Answer 1

I've been diagnosed with Bipolar on several separate occasions. Don't really think it fits and currently not taking any meds. I have my ups and downs (just like everyone else) it's just that sometimes they seem to be a little more extreme. My therapist told me today that she doesn't agree with the diagnosis either so not really sure what to think. But my point is people need to look past the label slapped on someone's forehead and see the person for who they really are. Sorry but there are plenty of people out there who have been given incorrect diagnoses and when diagnosed with a mental illness it's not an easy stigma to overcome when people find out.

Answer 2

I was originally diagnosed with Bi-polar (and although they decided after a few months that they felt i didnt have this, I feel I fit the criteria completely) I have to be honest for me it destroyed my marriage but thats possiby because for a long time I was unable to see that i was ill and probably sought help when it was too late, added to that that the mental health team in my area is very under resourced and over worked (therefore making it inadequate to some degree) I believe I didnt get the help I needed. I was voliatile, awkward, hardwork, challenging etc (but im by no means saying that everyone with Bi-polar are these things too, can only give you my personal experience) Id have weeks on end of living an entirely normal life only to come crashing into a whole new world of irrational thinking....grandiosity etc, ridiculous spending sprees etc. I believe that my marriage wasnt strong enough to cope with the challenges that bi-polar caused but I know a few friends with it who lead good lives for the majority of the time, occasionally spiralling out of control for a while, but with help resettling again. You need a good network of support and NEVER be affraid to ask for help. As hard as it is for the person living with the bi-polar person, it can also be a living hell for the sufferer!! Goodluck

Answer 3

I have a friend who is Bipolar and believe me there have been
some very scary times when she had not taken her medicine.
She wanted to self medicate and is good most of the time but if she forgets then the trouble starts.

Once I had to go all the way to Germany to collect her from a hospital.
I have had a time when she insisted I wrote out her will
She has seen me as Angel
Had to collect her from a taxi cab as she was totally manic and would not get out of the cab, as she was being followed by the CIA who had a contract to kill her this might sound funny but trust me it was not at all.
Has voices coming from the television
Numerous occasions when I have had to have her sectioned in hospital.

Beware of the mood swings of depression that can lead to suicide or self harm
Watch out for signs of mania eg my friend one day was going out on a date and kept pouring bottles of scent on her skin.

I am also the only person she will let near her when things hit rock bottom so this alone is a big responsibility.

I have now moved out of the area and she has a someone to look after her who is a professional but even now if things go haywire I am called on.
These are the negatives but there have been positives the good times we have when she is ok, few and far between but I enjoy them when they are there.

If you are able to listen and not judge give out words of encouragement in times when they are very low and never look down or be perdantic you will slowly be able to maybe help but it is a microspot respect and try to keep calm at all times.

My friend once said she felt safe in my company and to me this was a complement.

Answer 4

My friend is Bi-polar and hers is pretty severe. When her meds are not working or she is not taking them properly things get pretty bad for her. She isn't really aware of how bad things get until she is on the other side of her manic part. She rarely experiences the depressive part. When manic, she'll bring home anybody, spend money that she just doesn't have, cannot keep her house in order, gets angry very easily. Is difficult to get along with, talks a mile a minute. Is highly creative. And during this time life feels terrific for her.
We just love her and try to get through to her that she needs to see her doc before things get totally out of control.

Answer 5

Ooooh, that's a tough one. I am BiPolar and chose to live alone because of it. I can't wait to view your other responses.