kiehn

Hi Marshmellow
You ask some good questions but the answers can vary from one individual to another. My understanding absolutely YES there are different types of bipolar and some can be depressed most of their life with on a few if any manic episodes. Also depression is repressed anger, yet can also be a symptom of hypomania or mania which either can also cause extreme irritiability. To answer your question about why doesnt he want help, it could be a number of reasons or combo of them. 1) Denial is a major symptom of Bipolar 2) For many depression in itself causes despair, hopelessness, negativity, just not caring. fear of failure which if occurs deepens the depression. Emotional support is all you can give. It's ok not to understand it's even ok to tell him that and you'd be happy to listen if he ever want to talk, you could even tell him you trying to learn more online. You'd be surprised how easy it is to feed the negativity simple things like
saying your always negative, your always complaining, showing or doing anything that would expresses negativity, many bipolars are extremely sentive, often picking up on vibes that arent meant for them. etc etc. making him feel bad for this, discounting his depression, or feelings, will only push him away further. It might be hard to comprehend but he may not even understand his own feelings futher frustrating his own problem. I know
Ive been in his shoes. I hope others express their opinion and experiences, you must be a very loving person to have come to this board to seek understanding. I hope this helps a little. take care, K