Is there NO control of bipolar emotion and attitude changes?

Question

I've come to the conclusion with experience and her family members talking to me, that, my GF has it, Its hard to believe someone can change their outlook on their life and loved one. She is in love with me then in a few days, hates the **** out of me, are her worlds, i can't stand you go away. How does it change so drastic?

Answer 1

They are due to serious chemical imbalances, and there are medications for this disorder. The problem comes when the patient feels better, and thinks that they no longer need the medication. That is untrue, and one should never ever cease with their medication unless instructed by their physician to do so, and they must be monitored on a regular basis to insure that the medication is the proper dosage and type. Without the medication, the patient has no control over their mood swings and they are extreme in every way, from the very depths of despair to the very heights of euphoria. She absolutely needs to be under the care of a physician, this will not clear up on it's own, and will only get worse if left untreated. Good luck to you both.

Answer 2

Some people are more severe that others, but for some who aren't as severe, there may be something triggering their far out mood swing.

Lack of sleep or something very emotional (eg a death, having a baby) can set someone off for the next few months or more.

More severe cases I think they are just changing all the time?
I don't know how it works, but they don't seem to be able to control it by themselves very well. They may be able to feel that they might have an episode, and more sleep or perscribed drugs can help (bi polar people tend to go off their medication because they think they are all better when they are not).

Perhaps your GF's family can convince her to see a doctor to find out if something is really going on? And talk to her yourself and gently ask her why she does this, if you have not talked to her already.

Certain personlities just have a very up and down emotional system. Or it could be hormonal. My mum for example, sounds like what you are describing, and it's because she gets PMS very badly, it's an uncommon condition that I forget the name of. She's found taking a strong contraceptive pill helps (perscribed of course).

Some of my info maybe wrong, it's just what I know because a close family member of mine has bi polar.

Answer 3

Terry, it is a real beast of a disorder. It takes consistency in trying various levels of medication and maybe various medications...for life! The person with bipolar disorder will always struggle with it, and that is unfortunate. It's a very long haul of working with a psychiatrist for proper medication balances, and then if something stressful comes along in their life (like when doesn't it?) it can throw years of trial and error off and back to zero (in finding proper levels that allow them to lead a fairly normal life.)

They also need psychotherapy to help them cope along the way, through the exasperation of not having their brain chemicals balanced... and to help them continue on their medication all the time, consistently. Some who have huge highs (mania) don't want to take their meds because they think they accomplish so much during that time. They totally don't realize what havoc it wreaks in the lives around them.

I'm sorry but if you aren't in it for the long haul...best to get out now. You by yourself will not be able to "change" her.