Psychosematic BPD symptoms? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Artemis9 · 04-25-2007, 09:42 AM

Hello Everyone,

I've been lurking on this boards for about a month now and finally decided to login and say hello. My question is a bit strange: I am not bipolar, but my husband has rapid cycling bipolar disorder. He's my best friend, the love of my life, and we've been together for almost 10 years now. So, here's the weirdness: At this moment, my thoughts are racing...and I mean RACING. I can't concentrate on my current work project. I feel ridiculously hyper and a little anxious and happy all at the same time. These remind me of hypomanic symptoms that my husband gets when he's coasting up the hill toward a manic phase. Is it possible to psychosematically take on the symptoms of your bipolar loved-one? I've noticed tat my moods tend to go with his: i.e. if he;'s depressed I get the blues, if he's happy I'm happy, etc. Is this just part of being married? Or are some bipolar symptoms "contagious" just by virtue of living with somebody who has them?

Any info will be appreciated. Thanks!
-Artemis
PS I'm not perfect, btw. I take Lexapro and xanax for anxiety/depression.

jkm1201 · 04-25-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artemis9

Hello Everyone,

Is it possible to psychosematically take on the symptoms of your bipolar loved-one? I've noticed tat my moods tend to go with his: i.e. if he;'s depressed I get the blues, if he's happy I'm happy, etc. Is this just part of being married? Or are some bipolar symptoms "contagious" just by virtue of living with somebody who has them?

you've put a different spin on this for me... I almost feel like I hear my husband talking to me through your words. crazy huh?
But thanks, cuz it allows me to see how difficult it can be for him. I'll be interested to see what ppl say in their responses. Have a good day. jkm

Artemis9 · 04-25-2007, 11:22 AM

Hello jkm,

I'm touched by what you wrote. I know it's harder for the people with BPD, bu it's so bizarre how much the disorder affects the lives of the folks who care about people with BPD. So, your husband has expressed similar thoughts? Do his moods tend to go up and down (though perhaps less dramatically) along with your moods?

I'm curious to dee what other people say too. Thanks for responding!

-Artemis

emeraldeyes114 · 04-25-2007, 11:51 AM

I was just thinking of this very topic not long ago today. I know for me if I am around someone a lot I tend to pick up parts of their personality. It feels like me and not something that shouldn't be there. For example a girl I know has schizophrenia and being around her on a frequent basis I start to take on some of the things she feels or thinks. Until that particular thing happened it was never stuff I had even thought about let alone feel. So yes I do think it is possible since this is someone you are around a lot to pick these things up. Sort of I think a invisible cord that links you in a way not obvious to those who aren't around that often. And in some ways it is a blessing as well as a curse simply because while it does enable you to understand how he feels and perhaps to help him it also sends you for a loop too. For me I have found that being around people I have to pick and choose who I spend the most time with. I know with your hubby it is not exactly the case of pick and choose. But I am glad you brought up this topic and will check back to see what other people have to say on it. It I think is very interesting and perhaps you are empathic.

Eme

InShambles · 04-25-2007, 01:21 PM

I have a couple different takes on this.
1. If you have bouts of depression and anxiety maybe you are actually undiagnosed bipolar? I'm having trouble grasping someone being able to "pick up" the feeling of racing thoughts, since it is internalized. wouldn't hurt to be evaluated.
2. That being said I pick up TONS of odd things when being around someone for awhile, so I'm sure it's possible.