Hello,
I receive many questions a week regarding how bipolar disorder affects relationships- I have experience in this topic from all angles- that’s for sure! My former partner Ivan was ill for months in a manic psychotic episode and then a suicidal downswing. I went through the fear of calling the police, working with hospital staff who looked at Ivan and asked what HE wanted in terms of being hospitalized instead of asking me- I was sitting right there- Ivan was sitting there – completely psychotic and basically saying he could take care of himself by drinking water all day- and despite my telling the staff what was happening- they listened to him- so we had to do commitment. Then on to the court to keep him in the hospital- this may be very familiar! And that was just the beginning! This was in 1994. I was finally diagnosed in 1995 at age 31- we have different forms of the illness- he has full blown mania ( Bipolar I) and I have hypomania (Bipolar II)- which is why I wasn’t diagnosed when I had my first symptoms at 17.
I also have two family members with mood disorders- and it has been tough- but Lamictal changed EVERYTHING for us. They know all about the Health Cards and use them to a certain extent, but are not the type to work on management all day as I do- the medications have been a miracle. Especially in terms of negativity and anger/aggression. I use the ideas in the Health Cards from a family member perspective and they have been amazing!
I also know a lot about teenage bipolar and often work with teenagers.
My family and partner coaching business is the best way for me to help with any situations involving relationships- especially when a person is psychotic and needs to go to the hospital or a partner refuses treatment. I have worked with every situation and have been through many of them myself. This is the best way for us to exchange information on the illness and your particular situation.
If you wish to work together one on one- here is a link to my coaching page to find out more.
http://www.juliefast.com/family-coaching/
If you would like general information- the blog has a category list to the right with most topics. For partners, my book Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder addresses many of the questions I receive. Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder is excellent for anyone affected by the illness and is an especially good book for those just diagnosed as well as those who love them. Get it Done When You’re Depressed is for anyone who is held back by depression in terms of productivity. (In other words- all of us!)
I am always thinking of how I can answer more questions on the blog, but it’s always hard because of time limitations. I plan to start a question podcast and that will help. I read all comments and stories and always love to post them as they help so many people- and I am always working on way to get to questions by writing more books! If you find your relationship questions are not answered in my books- please send me a coaching inquiry. If you still have a question- please send it along and I will definitely add it to the podcast list. . Also, other readers can send in answers – as we just did with the blog on how people remember to take their bipolar meds. It has been a great interaction! I do read all of my mail, so…
Keep sending in comments!
Julie
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