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.

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Talking to Your Therapist About Libido

Amuseme
Amuseme
My libido increases when I'm manic. Since I do massages it can be a challenge to keep appropriate boundaries. I sometimes get on a slippery slope. I just got off of one. I was on a serious "binge" five yrs ago and was putting ads online. I was arrested. I didn't take it too bad because I'm very rebellious and I thought WTF, I'm doing a lot of good! Seriously. Many men need sexual validation. I'm in tune with that. But I digress. Anyhow, I think that a good therapist and a practical client should maintain a healthy dialogue about sex. It is so much of a part of this illness, whether as a side-effect of meds, or as in my case, a potential time bomb.
I'd also held the diagnosis of Major Depression and it wasn't until a hospitalization five yrs ago that the doc said it was BP. I'd told him about all of the wanton sex I was having in exchange for money to pay off my credit cards! Oh, the paths we go down when we are in the grips!

Saving grace: I'm back with my BF who is a very grounding presence. And, just today I reviewed my boundaries with my therapist. I'm putting post-its in my studio!
zonker
zonker
Mania can lead one into so much danger with loss of inhibition, & increased sexual desire. I don't think it's talked about enough because some people get uncomfortable or the shame & fear are hard to address , so I am so glad you're guarding against more trouble and are able to talk about it.
jimlucky1
jimlucky1
My old therapist said I was a sex addict when I told her about me bp sex behavior . She also broke my confidentiality I had with her which makes it very hard to be open with any professional .

From what I have read it was normal hypo or manic behavior . The people she rated me out to well , was way more understanding and professional , just for the fact that I was being honest and asking for help .

I guess I was given a get out of jail card . I think what she did was just dirty and well wrong .

I am glad you have new boundary's with yours now .
deleted_user
deleted_user
It really isn't talked about enough. I get myself into stupid sexual dilemmas when I'm manic....and really crossed some lines at my place of employment. Completely embarrassing now when I look back at it, at that's the worst part of this illness, we have no control over our actions.
jimlucky1
jimlucky1
I am sorry Amuseme my last sentence was incorrect , I have no idea what boundaries you have with a med pro .
Amuseme
Amuseme
no offense taken zonker; I don't do hand-jobs and I'm not topless.
Amuseme
Amuseme
I was more concerned with keeping a high credit score than having a bad experience with a stranger! I often default to survival tactics when I'm manic.
Amuseme
Amuseme
When I'm in a stable relationship and there's no taboo my libido is very low. We may try having sex with another couple. Stay tuned
deleted_user
deleted_user
my therapists are all women (seems most of the ptsd-specialists are up here) and my shrinks a guy, so i talk to my shrink.

but i don't really talk about that.

harsh antipsychotics crushed my mojo. not much else to talk about.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Glad you are in a better place now. It is not uncommon that when in a manic state we lose our inhibition and will have wanton sex. Im glad the red flags came up and you are more in tune to yourself.
deleted_user
deleted_user
my libido increases too when manic. i agree its not talked bout enough cause the meds effect so many & it really is an important part of life. right now ive got no probs & hittin the age where i shouldnt & hope not ta.

i dont know how ya do it bein a massage therapist if ya have a high libido but kudos ta u & im also glad ya can talk bout it. ive got a female doc so im more comfy talkin bout that with her & we are pretty darn open bout it.