I suspect my DP is bi-polar

[FloraSpreadableMacDonald]

We have been together for 10 years and have 2 young children. I have tried to support him with his depression but he refuses to see a GP. I think he doesn't want to admit he has a problem to a professional, maybe even a fear of having it on his records. He spends an inordinate amount of time scouring the Internet looking for self help solutions. We have a bookshelf full of self help books and he spends a lot of money on natural remedies. We got a dog to help get him out and about and also a gym membership to help with the exercise.
I supported him as best I could but living with him was like walking on eggshells. He would sometimes be so low, he would shut himself away in another room, saying things like he didn't want to get up in the mornings. Other times he would be full of plans, money making schemes, and on a general high. He was a social recluse most days and he also has a lot of issues with his family dating back to his childhood. He has been made to feel like a loser (he describes himself). He could also be quite abrupt and nasty to me and the children.
Sadly he recently felt he couldn't cope any more and has left me and the children. I feel so upset because I was the person who supported him. I've tried to speak with him about it but he won't commit to anything. He claims he doesn't feel depressed any more. But I fear he is on such a high that he may come down to earth with a bump when realisation sets in.
He still refuses to see a GP and I worry about him living on his own. I also worry about how he will be with the children when I am not there.
Any support welcome as I am so devastated and don't know what to do.
Thanks.

I second the poster above re: finances.

You need to get him to a doctor, he does sound like its bipolar. Fortunately, if he is diagnosed, medicated and supported by a good MH team he should be able to live well (and potentially as a family again).

If he's refusing to see the doctor, you should try speaking to them and to your local crisis team. When he is next well he might be more agreeable (although I'm not sure how untreated bipolar goes).

Good luck. Protect yourself, and try to look after him as much as you can. It's difficult, but if he is unwell he needs looking after. x

Thanks. I am separated from him financially, luckily. He renounced all rights to the house when he left. However, he has taken what he claims is his share of the equity. I'm speaking with a lawyer tomorrow. We have no joint accounts apart from the mortgage. He works in finance and is very meticulous about household accounts and budgeting.
I know I cannot get him to a GP. However, I have spoken with our family doctor about him. Sadly, my DP is taking citalopram which was prescribed to me a couple of years back. He must have taken them from our medicine cabinet. I've told the GP this too. I fear he is saying he is not depressed since leaving. I'm now blaming myself.
How would I contact a crisis team?

If you google your local city/area mental health crisis, there's usually a number you can ring. The MH charities are also often a good source of support and practical help.

Don't blame yourself, you didn't cause this illness. If he's manic, then he won't think he's unwell.

At least, he may not think he's unwell

Hi some areas there are crisis teams but where I live only a gp or a mental health team can put someone under a crisis team, they are not open access here. Also of he will not see a gp I doubt he would willingly see a crisis mental health nurse.

I think and I may be wrong you can ask for a mental health assessment but unless he is a danger to himslef little could come of it butso you could look that up on the Internet. Or possibly phone adult social care if you are concerned about him??

If you are concerned about him having access to your children then perhaps a lawyer would help?

Thank you for your support.
I just want him to come home. He is currently saying he feels lighter since he left. That may be true for the moment. My children are confused also, so I'm having to explain to them in age appropriate language why he left, when I'm confused myself. I miss him dearly, despite his illness.

Whilst he is low, he doesn't make rational decisions. If he eventually wants to come back, I may find myself being tough and saying only if he seeks help. I'm just exhausted with it all tbh. I'm holding down a professional job, studying for my masters degree and looking after the children. I'm wondering how I will cope.