I think the initial shock of what has been happening over the past six weeks is starting to fade into something a bit more logical. I have been stressed at work and at home and my health is starting to suffer for it which is part of life. So I did something I never do and I made a doctors apt. I haven't kept much down since this happened and I am not sleeping much so I am asking for help because I need to be in a good state of mind and I am starting to waiver in that dept. I may even go talk to someone about bipolar disorder so that I can better understand what my sweety is going through. If anyone can recommend some good books that would be great. I just want to be pro active. This is a great website. The reply to my first posting brought tears to my eyes. I have moments when this seems like to much. When the though of another manic episode makes me sick to my stomach and worry about the future. But I have decided I will cross that bridge when I get to it. I will power through because I love him with all my heart and if the tables were turned he would not leave my side either. That I know in my heart is true. I have to take care of myself so I can have his back when needed. I am having a hopeful moment right now. We are starting to talk about it slowly but surely and I know this will take time and I need to learn the meaning of patience. When ever I am upset he looks at me like it is his fault and feels guilty. I don't want him to have to worry about me right now so I am taking care of me first real quick so I can be there for him. Any ideas on how to face my best friend/significant other bp illness head on and get going in the right direction, please let me know. I am going into battle armed with nothing but love and I'd feel better if I had something to go with that ;)

Try not to be too proactive. My wife has BP and being a guy i keep trying to fix her. I have been doing this for about 6 years now. Allow me to say, you can not fix him. Sure there are some items you can do to help.
1 stay on this board: Vent, ask questions, seek guidence ect
2 Enlist help from fam: allow for someone to stay with him, let him know that he has people that care,
3 Seek out a local support group: face to face, person to person, advice,
4 education: seek this out thru your local health dept, clinic, hosp or other places (Note, most of these are free through some of the local support groups)
5 Be ready to battle: no not with him, the illness, It's an ongoing battle

First off, I applaud your efforts. Your love for him lightens my heart. :)

Regarding books....the ones I've found that I like the best are: "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide" and "Taming Bipolar Disorder". These have been the most beneficial to me as someone recently diagnosed. I found them at Amazon and if ya spend $25. you get free shipping. Might be worth your time to go take a peek.


Good luck to you! :)

Wtiting out the storm by : Rebecca Mitchell Merriman is a good book.
It tells the tale of someone with BP who writes to let out the terror of mental illness.
By the way, I got to meet the auther several years ago. She is a school teacher, married 20+ years, and a very good speaker.