There's a book called "Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder" that I found helpful. It contains important information about the illness, and it also has lots of practical advice and specific strategies for preventing the onset of an episode and other associated problems with the illness. When your partner is well again, you should read it together and work through its strategies for making specific plans of action.

I'll say patience is the number one key. It's so hard feeling like your walking on eggshells and it's ok to say "wait a minute, i need a moment". It's something I've been struggling with as I dont want her to feel like a burden, because she isn't. Patience, communication, and simply knowing when you can and can not help her is important. There came a point when I looked at my partner and said I love you, but you need more than just my help. And I reminded her that I was by her side at all times. It's been tough this past year, really tough. But at some point, it gets better :) *hugs*

thanks for the advice it helps alot

not so much advice as a question my fiance was recently diagnosed also so i definitely understand the eggshells! but my question is did something happen in her life to trigger this onset of symptoms? my fiance's mother passed last year and while i know he has had some symptoms for years it seems that made it much much worse:(

I have BP. For me, major life events can trigger mania at the drop of a hat, even with meds that i take. And yes it does take a long time to recover. Exercise helps for me. Sleep is very important for those with BP and interrupted sleep and easily lead to mania.

If she is on edge all the time, it is best for you to talk to the pdoc when she sees him/her. It sounds like her meds are not controlling her symptoms very well. She alo needs to know what triggers her and things she can do to lessen the effects of those triggers.

Jay

My husband has bipolar diorder as well. He is a rapid cycler. When he gets like you are describing your partner its because his meds need to be adjusted. I understand the feeling of walking on eggshells for fear of setting your partner off. People who dont deal with this disorder have no idea what the spouses and loved ones go through. My prayers are with you and your partner.

@drowninginflower HI! Bipolar is a chemical disorder that can be dormant until lifes speed bumps shake you up and bring the chemicals out! THats how the dr explained it to me, my husband was fine for years but then he had a string of relatives die and new responsibilities placed on him now he rapid cycles and anything can set him off even with his meds! I hope you find peace!

I am going through same thing with my husband and my husband has been diagnosed since march 2007, and it has been hard every since. Honestly I don't know how I am dealing with it because there have been times where I just wanted to leave but I love him too much to do that. At times, I don't know what to do when he gets into an episode and then he goes off handle. It is very stressful and frustrating a lot of times.