Anyone else dealing with a bipolar person close to them?

[notaflyingmonkey]

I've posted about this situation before, and whilst I appreciate sympathy (God knows at times I pity myself enough) I wanted to see if there is anyone else in the same sort of position who can share any tips they have?

DS 21 refuses meds, and so is cycling. He loves the euphoria of being hyper, but it is exhausting to be around as he has no boundaries and frequently gets himself into tricky situations. When he is down, he struggles to even get out of bed - but it seems he is willing to pay the price of having those periods if he can be manic.

I don't know how much more of this I can cope with, my stress levels are in the danger zone.

[notaflyingmonkey]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to respond, it is a very lonely and isolating place to be in, so I appreciate the solidarity.

@Stupidbonfire thanks for sharing. 'Agitated depression' isn't a phrase I have come across before, but it's spot on.

I went to a support group recently, for people with bipolar and their families. The people with the condition were often describing it as a roller coaster of ups and downs for them. I feel like I am clinging on to the outside of the roller coaster, experiencing none of the highs, just sheer terror. It's turning me into a zombie.

[Stupidbonfire]

DH is Bipolar. He has what’s called agitated depression. This means his manic episodes are actual periods of intense irritation and anger. Meaning he falls out with everyone, take offence at everyone, won’t listen to advise from anyone. He’s run away, slept rough, discharged himself from an acute hospital with a serious health condition which he could have died from. When he’s in a section he hides his meds and pretends to take them. And then when he’s down he suicidal and tries to follows through.

at the moment he’s taking his meds, and he’s on the right dose and it’s all the good things about him and none of the uneasy edge that he gets when he’s unwell. But how long he’ll stay on them I just don’t know. He’s unaccepting of his diagnosis (as are his family) which doesn’t help.

so yes you have my every sympathy but I’m afraid I have so helpful advice on how to cope…

[Hotandbothereds]

Sorry you’re going through this, I have family members with bipolar who have gone through periods of refusing meds and spiralling & I know how exhausting being around someone who is on a bipolar high can be.

You have my every sympathy, I hope your DS can get himself on a straighter path soon.

Sorry I have no solutions but only solidarity.

[bluejelly]

I'm sorry I have no tips but you have all my sympathy. It is so hard when they won't take medication (I also have a relative with bipolar). I think the most important thing is to maintain your own boundaries and self care. Try not to get too caught up in their world. Give yourself plenty of respite. Eventually (hopefully) they will take the medication.