I Know About Bipolar Disorder

Someone I care about is bipolar. It has been hard for me to understand what she feels and how she reacts to things. I am usually very good at reading signals, but things swing so wildly and fast that I am often at a loss. I upset her when I don't intend to. Any recommendations on how to figure this out?

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CallmeHopelessNotRomantic · 46-50, F

I have a type of bipolar, not the typical bipolar most know. Everybody is different. We have different things that set us off and different reactions. I'm not sure there's an answer. I wish there was.

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SW-User

I don't know if she does. I don't think so. Her career seems to be her medication (plus mindfulness). She truly is an amazing person, but so hard to understand. @CallmeHopelessNotRomantic

GhostGirl · F

@SW-User I think you're a very thoughtful partner to be looking to find help in dealing with something unknown to you. Your patience in the situation is probably the best you can do. Most of us don't know ourselves at the time we are swinging so rapidly until we are looking back on it wondering what happened. Good luck to both of you.

SW-User

Thanks. The thing I care about most is that she is ok and not hurting. I certainly don't want to be the one who hurts her. I am very calm and stable. I'm also pretty perceptive. I still can't anticipate the triggers. I'm hoping we can at least be friends. @GhostGirl

LadyWioness · 56-60, F

I'm bipolar and still can't figure myself out.

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

Try your best to keep up the communication. I would think the more you talk with her about her feelings the more you will understand. Just keep a very open mind about how she feels and try hard not to get upset with her when she is upset with you.

SW-User

I don't get upset. It is my failure to understand her feelings that causes the problem, even if I couldn't have anticipated. Communications are hard based on the situation and she is under tremendous stress. I'm just trying to ride the wave. @gmatthewb

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