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Bipolar 2 sudden break up

VanillaPearContributor

Bipolar 2 sudden break up

I’m a first timer and looking for any advice please. My boyfriend of 3 months received a bipolar 2 diagnosis and started on new medication about 5 weeks ago. About a week after his diagnosis he travelled overseas. Having recently returned he tells me he has lost his feelings for me and needs a break. Only then did he tell me he has bipolar 2.

Based on what I’ve read, I think he is in a low period (depressed) has lost interest in the relationship, he doesn’t know why and is pushing me away. He has also had the added stress of moving house this past week.

We agreed to space (I’m using this time to educate myself) but I’m not coping. I’ve told him I will support him but he doesn’t think it’s fair I wait around in case he ‘snaps out of it’, were his words.

Also worth mentioning, this is our second attempt at dating in 12 months. In hindsight I believe he broke up with me the first time while also in a depressed state. He wasn’t diagnosed at the time but all the symptoms and behaviours points to bipolar 2.

How much space do I give him (we haven’t seen each other for about 1.5 weeks now, minimal contact from him) and are sudden breakups common for those living with bipolar 2? I hope this isn’t the end for us.

23 replies

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In response to: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

Ohhh hugs @VanillaPear ❤❤

I found it hard to find the right time to talk about things to my partner xx

So sorry to hear this , sitting with you xx

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

tymeModerator

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

I'm sorry to hear @VanillaPear - it must be so difficult to be in the air all the time.

At this time, go gentle on yourself. There is so much happening.

Also, if you feel you would like to speak to someone tomorrow, SANE's counselling drop-in service opens 10am-10pm AEST (M-F) on 1800 187 263.

Please take care, tyme

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

VanillaPearContributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

Thank you. I will call them tomorrow ❤️

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

VanillaPearContributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

He doesn’t even want to say a proper goodbye. It’s like he is a different person 😢

In response to: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

FloatingFeatherSenior Contributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

Hi @VanillaPear,

I'm really sorry to read this - I hope you are okay, this is a lot for you to take in. It sounds like he is so confused at the moment he needs sometime to process his feelings. As much as it is painful for you maybe it's a good thing that he takes sometime to digest what is going on and just focus on himself. Maybe when he has done this a bit he may be more emotionally available? I'm not sure that my words are helping and please don't think I don't understand your pain but it sounds like he needs to sort himself before out he can be with anyone.

Is he open to a friendship with you in the interim? It does sound like he needs a friend. It sounds like you need a friend too.

Please keep reaching out when you need to - we are here for you.

Best wishes,

FloatingFeather

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

VanillaPearContributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

As much as it breaks my heart, I know you’re right. I think it’s too painful for him to have anything to do with me right now, even as a friend. He has stopped talking to me and has left my last couple of messages on unread. I don’t think there is much more I can do at this point in time but leave him be and hope I hear from him when he is ready.

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

PaperdaisySenior Contributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

This is a lot to sit with @VanillaPear and I hope you have a friend you can reach out to for support during this time?

It's so hard to just be shut off like that but I feel you are right, you have probably done all you can do at this point.

Do you have someone off the forums you can reach out to? 💛

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

VanillaPearContributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

I have a mental health provider through my work I can access. I haven’t told any of my friends and family. I don’t want them to judge him for what he has done. Everyone was so happy when we got back together, I’m embarrassed to tell them what has happened. I’ve been pretending to everyone things are good between us. I’m so mad at his illness, not at him.

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

PaperdaisySenior Contributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

As you said @VanillaPear it's the illness not him. Sometimes people surprise us.

I'm glad you have MH support through work at least. I hope you will give yourself some space as well, you're going through a lot.

Please take care 💝

In response to: Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

VanillaPearContributor

Re: Bipolar 2 sudden break up

Thank you ❤️
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