Should i contact bipolar ex

Learn more. Jennifer Payne, M. Not knowing what to expect each day is stressful and tiring. Over time, it wears on the relationship. Understanding why your partner acts out sometimes or becomes withdrawn is the first supportive step you can take in strengthening your relationship.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by intense mood changes. People with the illness switch back and forth from mania or hypomania an emotional state of being energetic and gleeful or sometimes aggressive or delusional to having episodes of depression. The lifelong condition tends to run in families, although the cause of bipolar disease is unknown. However, it can often be successfully managed through treatment. There are two primary types of bipolar disorder :.

Bipolar 1 is a more severe form of the illness and is defined by manic episodes that have one of these characteristics:. Hypomanic episodes may include:.

Bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of medications and therapy. However, successful treatment can be a challenge since many people miss the euphoria and energy of manic episodes. Sometimes those with bipolar disorder will even intentionally trigger a manic episode. For example, a person might want the high energy that comes with a manic episode to get a project done.

She suggested educating yourself about bipolar disorder to better understand the condition. It also helps to learn to recognize signs of depression or hypomania so that you can advise your partner to talk with their healthcare provider if needed.

Saltz also recommended encouraging your partner to continue treatment and taking any prescribed medications. You should immediately reassess any relationship that has become threatening, and take care of your safety.

Beyond that, if unhealthy signs continue or grow worse, it may also be time to think about ending the relationship. And that includes the relationship.

If you do break up, Dr. If you have the contact information of their therapist you may leave a message, although be aware that their therapist may not be able to talk with you due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPPA.

She also advised paying attention to any thoughts of suicide. According to a research review , around 25 to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least one time. You can attempt to be as supportive as possible during the breakup. Still, Dr. David Reiss , a psychiatrist with offices in Southern and Central California, said that some people may not be receptive because they feel rejected.

Any breakup is likely going to be difficult, especially if you had a long-term commitment to your partner. Reiss said that this situation may lead to feelings of guilt. Reiss said. You can absolutely have a healthy, happy relationship with a partner who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The condition may bring both positive and challenging aspects to the relationship, but you can take steps to support your partner and to help them manage their symptoms. PTSD and bipolar disorder have overlapping symptoms, but they're two very different conditions.

Here's a closer look at what each involves and whether…. I still look back on those first days when the bipolar side of me was present but less obvious and debilitating. If anything, it would simply get in the way from time to time. I used to have hope that things would return back to normal one day but I have lost that hope. I still try for it but as time moves along, the gap between us grows larger.

He finally drilled it into my thick skull that I was deserving of this magical love we both found in each other. We had the same goals in life and were instantly drawn toward one another like magnets; it was clearly meant to be. He was—and is, hiding somewhere deep down—my dream man and the synchronicities between us were unmistakable.

I truly mean this when I say I never thought the idea of soulmates was legit until I met him. I still remember how he used to be the only person in the world who could calm me down and his energy was so alive, but it was only me who could feel it. It was meant for me. I fell right to sleep. And this is just one example of how strong our love was. My self-confidence reached its lifetime peak during the beginning stages of our relationship, too.

About years into our relationship, symptoms of my mental illness started to emerge more prominently than before and about years into our relationship, a full manifestation had taken me away from anything and anyone I had ever loved. I no longer had any friends because I just wanted to lay down all day; I had no energy or motivation to do anything.

I barely spoke to my family. And as far as my dream man…he stood firmly by my side holding me while gently stroking my hair as I cried for sometimes hours because I was so depressed. Other times, he took verbal beatings from me as my hypomania raged. I own up to that and cringe at it still to this day even though those times of rage are rarely taken out on him nowadays.

He urged me to get help and despite my not wanting to be on meds—and I fought back hard—I went ahead and started getting help. About a year later, I found my current psychiatrist and was diagnosed with bipolar II. I was completely dumbfounded and had no idea what it even meant but as I began my research, my entire life made sense.

He was right.