Serious answers only! Thanks!
2007-07-26 10:10:28 · 8 answers · asked by Lover of Blue 7 in Health ➔ Mental Health
My wife is bipolar and after reading some of the other answers I will say this, yes, it can be difficult to live with someone who is untreated the question then becomes well what happens after they get proper treatment?
My wife experienced missing time, mood swings, and at first she was given antidepressants that made things worse. After a serious episode she had the wisdom to seek a second opinion on her treatment and switched to Lithium. Later she found out that she not only was bipolar, but suffered from Epilepsy, so now she also takes Dylantin. So what is it like now? She tells me that it is real hard to be faithful, although she still loves me I know for a fact that she has remained so even though she is tempted. She told me to her it was like her brain was going so fast that even she has a hard time keeping up with things. She still has mood swings, and although they aren't anywhere near as bad as they once were, she still has them. Difference now is I know they're coming, I talk to her Doctor all the time so I know to remind her to keep the lithium levels in check, which helps and I love her so much that I couldn't see not being there for her. This helps with the part that bugs her, she tells nobody else about the disorder because, even though we live in a society that believes in the treatment of the mentally handicapped, she feels like people would treat her differently. To her all she has ever had is the enjoyment of learning, being smart, having fun at work, but learning she had the disorder made her feel defective and unwanted.
So in the end the hardest part of living with someone with the disorder is seeing their confidence get shot all to hell, to watch her struggle to control the mood swings, is it easy? No, but I love her and I will stand by her until she tells me to go away and even then we have kids and she will always be the greatest love of my life.
2007-07-26 10:59:09 · answer #1 · answered by clubmerc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just like living with anyone else as long as they take their meds, and, this is important, maintains a regular routine, and gets enough sleep (8 or more hours). Stability is the main thing someone with Bipolar Disorder needs. You might need to develop a little extra patience also. Other than that, make sure they keep their doctor appointments and maintain their med regimen. Education is the difference between a good relationship and potential chaos.
2007-07-26 10:19:50 · answer #2 · answered by Max 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Very, Very hard.. I dont know personally but my best friend's daughter is bipolar and they go thru alot!
But any mental illness is hard to deal with cause most ppl are not understanding.. What I mean is that most ppl are understanding and tolerant of an illness they can see on the outside but the ones on the inside--mental conditions, fibromyalgia, etc.... are not tolerated well by others. They really just need to educate themselves more and be more patient.. Even then it is still hard...
Most times too when ppl stay on their med. regimen they do ok.. but if they dont, they can be very hard to live with..
2007-07-26 10:24:18 · answer #3 · answered by MeMeCindy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most of them will NOT take their medicine and will make life miserable for their families. Even if they take medicine religiously, some of them will still go through mood swings.
Bipolar does not get better with age.
2007-07-26 14:13:06 · answer #4 · answered by Alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard. Extremely hard. My father is and I want to move out so bad. You never know what to expect and you feel like you are walking on egg shells 24/7. I wouldn't live with anyone that was bipolar unless they were recieving therapy and taking medications. (which he doesn't)
2007-07-26 10:18:52 · answer #5 · answered by farrenbrooke1 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It can be VERY difficult. I always advise families and loved one's to study as much as they can about this disorder so they can understand what to expect. Treatment is very successful in many cases but many patients are non-compliant with taking their medications. The family and friends need to be supportive and educated with regard to what their role should be with respect to the care of the Bi-polar individual.
2007-07-26 10:14:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My ex is bipolar...it was hell. he was nasty and abusive a lier and drug addict .....it was the worst time of my life and I'm glad its over...extreme highs and lows...its like walking on eggshells you don't know if you might say the wrong thing and they'll flip out....and it depends on if they are on meds the right meds thats hell to until they find the right ones then they have to take it
2007-07-26 10:18:23 · answer #7 · answered by Jersey 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ecstatic one minute and suicidal the next... the woman i lived with was like that... you never know whats gonna happen... to live with them you have to be very patient, understanding and careful with what you do and say... its very hard for the person
2007-07-26 11:03:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋