[PerfectlyImperfect]

Let me first say that I may seem as tho I'm laughing at somethings that others may not but I feel as if I don't laugh I'll cry & I try to keep it together as much as possible. I wasn't sure where to turn but I thought this may be a good first step.
My boyfriend is an Alcoholic and an Addict that suffers with Bipolar. As if One wasn't enough lol. We've been together a little under a year now & this is all new to me. I have read books and websites and a million other things to learn more about being or living with Bipolar.
Unfortuantely, neither of us are working (at the moment) so trying to get him on meds is nearly impossible at the moment. Finding work has been hard for both of us.
I'm trying my hardest to deal with the highs and lows the best I can but at times I feel as tho I'm going to break. I just feel that I could use some support of others that understand. Sure, I have my girlfriends and thats all find and good but they dont exactly understand because they never lived day to day with someone with Bipolar.
If anyone has any tips to share or anything please feel free to send it my way.
Thanks for listening

[DivasMomma]

My sister is Bipolar...living with someone who is, is nearly impossible. She wont take meds either so that makes it even tougher. I can relate, though I cant offer much advice. I know when my sister has a low period I just leave her be and let her get through it. Otherwise, if I try to step in it causes worse meltdowns and arguments...and arguing in that period is IMPOSSIBLE you will never win so dont even try! You can PM if you need someone to talk to!

[PerfectlyImperfect]

Thank you so much! It is hard but it's much better now that he's not drinking cause then I could have exploded on him lol. Right now just trying to make it through the days until he can get on meds. Sometimes I just feel the need to vent. ya know? Whew, I feel like a weight has been lifted off already & I only wrote a wee little bit about it lol

[DivasMomma]

my sister luckily has only experimented w/ drugs and has never made them a problem...my mom has a drug problem and my dad is a recovering alcoholic...3 years now but i know where you are coming from with it all....so please PM me anytime

[PerfectlyImperfect]

Yay for your dad! my bf has just started again going to meetings because he landed in the hospital twice. his a liver of a 50yo & he's only 27. He has beat himself up for many many years. I just pray that he gets control of things before it kills him. which at this point, it could be any of the 3 lol.

[mcmama]

www.bpso.org

This is a support group for families and signicant others of bipolar people

[PerfectlyImperfect]

Thanks

[Yambasticks]

I can tell you a few things about Bi Polar manc depression that most doctors miss or don't think about, but they are very physical symptoms, I know because I had a severe case as a child, and I see it in my son.

1. without too much thought you may find that your bipolar individual naturally gravitates to a dark space, corner or room in the house and wants very little to do with anyone and are so difficult that you just leave them alone.
what to do: if that is what's happening find ways to be subtle and open a curtain make it a bit lighter. apparently it has to do with a lack of I think it is vitamin A.

II. The individual usually has quite a headache, sometimes they will mention it, sometimes they will not. this is related to the backache that many are experiencing on a daily basis, but soon they have it so often they never mention it or barely notice it because they've had it for days.

III. In ability to sleep well. On the rare days when they do sleep well, the will usually hit a high state, and will remain on that plain for a relatively short time and then crash into the depths of despair and remain there for days.

If the person is suicidal a few things help. One: a pet, when you aren't thinking there is a risk that the person will end their life, they may be, and the pet distracts them because it doesn't judge and it is needy.
someone who is not connected to the family, has no emotional attatchment to the individual to talk to......... who will listen.

Journaling.
Medication and counceling.
but one thing about medication is that if a person is already drinking alchol, medication does not mix well with that, and or drugs as well.
the best thing a bipolar person can do for themselves is to know that they are bipolar, and remember they have certain mental states they must recognize and be alert and stay on any and all prescribed medication.

I know Bipolar manics can be and usually are impossible to reason with, and many especially males tend to believe or think or feel embarressed so they deny they are bipolar and refuse to seek treatment, and definately refuse medication so as an experiencer of bipolar if you remember the few things I mentioned, even though they may be different somewhat for different people you at least might have a slight idea how to help your friend or family member

[Ohsotrying]

Perfectly Imperfect. I really like that. lol. In response to your need for suggestions; I have one that may help. Depending on where you live, most counties have a government funded medical program specifically for individuals who are bi-polar or schitzophrinic. Ours here in Texas is called "MHMR" which stands for Mental Health and Mental Retardation. That sounds awful, I know! Unfortunately, these 2 disorders have been combined with the mentally ill of all including those born with epilepsy, mental retardation, ect. Don't let it scare you though! All your bf would need to do is call the clinic and arrange for an appt. After they perform a simple intake, he'll be signed in to receive services on a regular basis and MEDICATION WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT! Depending on the severity of his symptoms at the time of meeting with them; they will decide which program to place him on. At one time, I was on a "high critical" program (they called it something else, I can't remember). A case worker came out to the house once each week to check in on me, to offer support and words of encouragement, to answer questions I had, to provide councel on behavior and to discuss medication and how I was feeling on it. Now, I am no longer in need of such thorough and intense care so I only visit once a month to test my lithium levels, discuss any issues I am having, re-fill meds, ect. ONE THING IS FOR SURE THOUGH. THEY DRUG TEST. *** METH USE IS A COMMON OBSTACLE FACED BY THAT OF BI-POLARS. The clinics are aware of this and try to work with the individual to curtail their habits. All dirty tests are kept confidential and nothing, I REPEAT, NO INFORMATION, is released outside of that of the doctor and the patient. I found this to be highly beneficial. Plus it allows for a truly open and trustworthy relationship between the patient and the doctor. These clinics also often offer family counceling nights and events to share techniques with family members and to help build unity between the familys. You would probably like that. As FYI: I am bi-polar with a history of meth use. I am now fully clean but the urge still exists. I am bi-polar and lived with an alcoholic and meth addict for years. I believe he was bi-polar but he would never go to the doctor. If ya need to talk, let me know. If you need help finding a clinic, let me know that as well. I'll try giving you terms to search for. It all differs on your location. Take care.

[vanaden]

This is so strange that this was posted and I saw it today. Seriously. I have been looking into Bipoloar disorder to study the symptoms and collect some ideas on what may be going on with me. (pregnancy aside of course, I've been messed up for 12 years that I can remember.) My husband has been with me through hell and back for 7 years. I adore him. He has helped me so much. I want to THANK YOU for caring about your boyfriend so much to ask for help and not just deem him as insane. I explain it to my husband like this: It is like a battle between your mind and body. Your mind says "You are acting so irrationally!" and your body says "I'm doing it anyway." Even though you know it's wrong, it feels wrong. It's so frustrating and it can really depress you quickly. I am going soon to see a doc for this as well and to look into meds. I cannot do this on my own, it's hard to fight. There is a website I found that is linked to some kind of social security payment if you are bipolar and cannot work, I will find it and post it for you if you'd like.DOn't give up, you're awesome for sticking by his side!!!