Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
My boyfriend of four months and good friend for eight years is bipolar. I know the basics about the disorder, but its a whole different world being friends w someone bipolar than dating them! Right now he is not on medication (in the process of getting him on insurance so he can get back on saraquil (sp?) and unfortunately he is "self medicating" with vicodin so he has kind of been all over the place lately. On top of the world to anger to severe depression. I have crohns disease myself and for some reason he has been accusing me of taking my meds wrong. He hasnt been mean about it or anything, jusy says he knows I'm taking them. I have no reason to lie about it, and I just wondered if his biploar might have some thing to do with him thinking im lying to him? Also if it is how do I handle it? Should I let him see my pill bottles to prove im not? Or just let it go? Any advice is greatly appreciated. The more I know the better I'll be able to cope! Stressful as things can get sometimes this man means the world to me and has for a very long time. I really want this to work, I definitely need support though! Thankx again everyone.
You are an adult - taking your own meds, don't defend yourself to anyone, or show anyone your bottles!
My alcoholic Wasband would try that control shit - I told him, I'm an adult, and if wants to go crazy worrying about my meds, and stuff - he could go by himself, I do not defend myself .... yep, control! If you're defending yourself, the focus is off him.... abuse, bipolar or not!
There is a Family and Friends group on here
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Family-and-Friends-of-Bipolar/support-group
If you want to seriously help your boyfriend you should get this book Me and my partner got when we first got together and its called Now don't laugh. Bipolar Disorder for Dummies.
I have bipolar and I was just learning to take my meds at the time and I found that book so helpful for me and my partner in educating you on bipolar, treatments for bipolar and also there is a section for friends and family of bipolar.
I am so dead serious that you get this book I would buy you a copy if I could it is that helpful and easy to read
It will change your lives as it did my partners and I. It has now been 7 years and we are still together I am stable and off all drugs and alcohol.
Drugs and alcohol only increase symptoms. Oh and don't show him your bottles as he will likely or be prone to abusing your drugs. Keeps them separate from him because he wont mean to but if things get tough hell go for them.
I hope you have found this helpful. I pray you get this book
Donna
His paranoia about him thinking you're lying about your pills is mostly part of addiction, not bipolar disorder. However, addictions are hand and hand with the illness. This is due to lack of coping skills. He probably hates the way he feels. Weather it'd be medication or management. Do your best to keep your medications away from him. Lock them up is my suggestion. I know that may seem harsh but don't take addiction lightly.
Insurance is crappy and a long process sometimes. I don't know where you live, but some states have free healthcare. Mine is called AHCCCS.
I would recommend attending some free groups to learn more about bipolar disorder. It will help you greatly.
How I would handle being accused of lying about my own medication is I would tell my boyfriend that I felt he is accusing me because he has something to hid himself. I wouldn't place any blame on him because this may set him off but I would address my concern for getting help.
I know this was lengthy, I hope this helps you in some way. Remain positive, open your heart and your mind and lock up your meds. Oh, and it's Seroquel. :)
LifeandLove- I will definitely look into that book. I have been reading as much as I can about his disorder online, I guess a book is the natural next step, glad now I know which book to get!
Cloudshine- A support group is a great idea, I'm going to have to see if I can find one in our area, and thank you for the correct spelling, it drives me nuts when I know I'm spelling something wrong! Lol.