My partner with Bipolar 1.

hey there @Silentwolf15 firstly, welcome to the forum! 😊

although i don't have first hand experience with supporting someone who has bipolar 1 disorder, i can imagine that this must've been confusing and painful to hear from a loved one. i can also see that you're really attentive and care so much about this person, and the fact that you've reached out here to find ways to support her is really amazing.

you mentioned that there wasn't any signs earlier but you're concerned that this sudden change might be one - perhaps you can have a conversation and share your concerns with her. here's some resources to help you out:

• Bipolar disorder - guide about some signs to look out for, how to support, etc.
• Helping someone with hypomania or mania - Mind - conversation guide

the recent change in your relationship with this person may impact how this conversation goes so please do look after yourself as well. practicing self-care can really help you re-energise yourself so you're not pouring all your energy into others.
i'm sure other community members with similar experiences to you will be able to reach out soon as well. welcome once again 💙

Hi @Silentwolf15

I’m sorry that this has all erupted on you all of a sudden out of the blue. I hope you and the girl you have been building a relationship with are both okay.

I have experience with mania and hypomania (and everything mood related plus more) so I will just draw on a little bit of my experience to say some things, hopefully you’ll find them helpful. I will say though that everyone’s experience is as individual as themselves so just have your eyes open.

Whenever I go manic, I usually can’t sleep or have a lot of trouble with sleep (I’m too excited to fall asleep even though I wouldn’t really realise that til afterwards) so that could def be a sign. I also know that I make irrational decisions and throw myself on different guys.

I think it’s wonderful that you are pursuing a relationship with this girl and want to understand her. Bipolar is very tough. It can spring up at any moment and turn in a million ways, mood disorders are unfortunately like that. I think you have to be aware that if you want to continue understanding her and supporting her, you’re going to be in for a ride. Mania and even hypomania for me, can feel like a million rollercoasters that can be very hard to come off. That being said, with enough support and encouragement getting in early and getting treatment is very, very beneficial. I think the resources @rav3n pointed you too are very helpful.

But again, look after yourself and be wise, you are a priority too. Make sure you have enough support and you are talking to reliable people in your life about this matter, you don’t want to approach it on your own, it’s a big responsibility. But I understand you are invested and confused and it is emotional. I think you should take a step back and assess the situation and list a few options of what you could do in this situation: - First, think if you want to be in a relationship with this girl you’re also going to be in a relationship with bipolar (I know, hard truth) - Talk to someone mature about how to go about getting help for the girl and also talk to them about options. I do think plans in this circumstance are helpful but also respect the girl you’ve been getting to know if she wants some space as well. It’s a tricky balance!

Good luck and all the best.

The rapid 180 of the situation without any real warning signs blindsided me so i've been trying my best to figure out what exactly happened and the only logical thing i can think of is she went into a manic state so that's what i've mostly been trying to confirm. We went from discussing us and date plans for next week to her suddenly dropping me for a coworker she said she developed intense feelings for over the past day or so even though shes only known him for a month. The sad reality is at the moment she has me blocked everywhere so i've been reaching out on forums like this and even to my old counselor to see if he had any experience with bipolar 1 because if he does i want to have that line there to work through whats currently going on and what can go on if she returns. I do honestly love this woman and accept her for who she is despite the pain she just caused so that's why i want to understand and if it is a manic induced action thing so i can prepare myself for whatever conversations we need to have if she returns once it fades because i would love nothing more for this to work out for us. i also want to add that the knowledge ive gained i can place times where shes shifted between disorder and mania but this is truly the first time shes done such a complete 180 on me and did such a drastic action.

I'm hearing you @Silentwolf15 , and you are not alone.

It's definitely worth while having a chat once she's more stable, if this is what you want.

Does she have supports for her mental health? Is she on medication?

At this time, please continue to look after yourself. Perhaps write down some of what has happened and some of the questions you have.

As you said, this behaviour is not the norm.

I can see how confusing things must feel for you at the moment.

Do you know if she is safe?

She said she took medicine and went to therapy when we first got together but ive never actually seen her go to therapy. With her daily use of cannabis to self medicate and still needing sleep medicine to sleep im really not sure if she is taking her medicine either. The entire time ive known her shes never had issues though the most is getting quiet and sleeping alot due to depression states but nothing this drastic. I hope shes safe id like to believe she is i can confirm she got onto her games yesterday and removed me but outside of that i have no way of knowing.

Unfortunately, you may just have to wait @Silentwolf15

If it IS in fact an episode, it'll be hard to talk at the moment.

I hope it turns out okay. I can see you are sitting with the thoughts that something isn't right.

I hear you.