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Relationship to a possible end?

By Lost1 Saturday, October 25, 2008

I have been in a relationship with my Bipolar boyfriend for over a year now. At first, his moods were pleasant and his attitude was the best. He was my best friend before we ever decided on being together. Once, we were together everything seemed fairytale. He was my best friend, a great lover, and a source of strength. His father was murdered the month I met him and he took it hard but, after that he started hanging with the wrong crowd and self-medicating with the drug called ecstasy or what I like to call it "the devil himself". He's traveled across country with no food, pocket money or anything. Only money for the ticket and he's been hospitalized. The doctor prescribed him abilify and he doesn't take it anymore. Now, he has these delusions of grandeur and refers to himself as "The God Son". I am really scared and at times, I have to just get away from him. We were living together for a short while and he would have these episodes and it was too much for me to handle. He doesn't care about anyone else but, himself for the most part but, when he comes back to the middle, he's loving and the best person ever in my opinion. Sometimes, I cry and pray that my boyfriend comes back. The one I fell in love with, not the one that is chemically imbalanced. However, his nonchalant attitude and refusal to take meds, go to a therapist and change his ways make me think it's always going to be this way. His mother is going to stop paying the rent for his off-campus apartment and doesn't want him to move home. He's tortured our minds with this disorder for so long now. The ups and downs are hard for anyone to deal with. He tells me he wants to be with me forever one moment and doesn't care if I leave the next. He says I am cheating on him because we live in two different cities because I took time off from school. He thinks he's better off alone but, yet always chases me. His cell phone bills is sky-high and his mom refuses to pay it off. His credit is horrible and he simply does not care. He's taken out loans for splurges on motorcycles, computer and studio equipment (and drugs) and does not care about his debt. I know he is sick and want to get him help but, he doesn't see it necessary. He scares me so much at times. Considering the phone being cut off and the distance between us ... I guess this means we're pretty much over but, I care for him so much and know he needs to have a breakthrough. Question is: after everything comes crashing down, do you think he'll realize what's going on and what he has caused? And, finally decide to get help. I have high hopes but, I don't want to seem delusional as well. Should I just let go of the love of my life?

Anonymous
tabby
10/25/08 2:46pm

you answered your own question

do you see it?

 

and no he won't become stabilized and balanced if he continues as you say he is right now and denies the need for help and chooses not to seek it and take it

10/25/08 8:38pm

I understand. Thank you so much for your comment. All the input really does help..

10/25/08 5:52pm

yeah really, if you cant force him into changing his doc and meds (or seeing a doc and getting on some meds) then walk away. maybe staying away for a while will open his eyes.

10/25/08 8:42pm

I have thought of this approach but, I never seem to have the courage to do it. I have had my heart torn out of my chest time after time but, for some reason I don't want to leave him. Call me weak or stupid.. it's just so hard. I know this is a difficult time and sometimes he feels depressed and wants to die but, other times he feels fine or has signs of grandiosity. I am so conufsed. That's why I came on here. I am only 18 years old, my partner 20.. a lot of people say "you're young ... live your life" but, real love is rare and I feel like I have it here. That's why I want to stay.

Anonymous
tabby
10/26/08 8:41am

something told me you were young

I think it was the "he is the love of my life part"

sug THERE WILL be other "loves of your life" this one isn't the sole and only one though I'm certain it feels that way because you are only 18 and he is 20.

 

please pay attention - for this is a passionate plea to you

 

he isn't going to return to the wonderful boyfriend you knew & loved UNLESS he is in-between episodes.  I say this because, in-between swings he will probably come back on bended knee and say all the right things BUT the difference is that he doesn't see he has a problem, thinks you are the one with the problem, and if you'd just get with the program all would be fine.

 

If he has Bipolar, doesn't get on a medication regimen which may include many many meds and many many med trials till he finds the right ones, doesn't undergo and endure ongoing therapy to learn coping/stress/behavioral skills, and make the lifestyle changes needed to increase likelihood of long term stability (ie., sleep routine, no alcohol, no drugs, etc...) - it isn't going to happen and you will be in the situation you are in, if not worse should you 2 move in together - have a baby - or heaven's to betsy actually marry which I know is an uncommon practice these days (sorry, I digress.  I'm old Foot in mouth) for years to come.

 

and yes sug... you would've allowed it to happen cause you feel sorry for him and cause you love him and thus have taught him how you like to be treated.

 

Find someone who loves and respects you BUT only after you find love and respect for yourself because you are 18 hooking up with a 20 year old.

 

Please don't tell me you are a mature grown up - sug you have your whole life in front of you and all you want to do is settle on someone who doesn't care for himself and worse, not you and you are pleased as punch to let it happen.

 

Find out why, and then find out what to do so you won't do it again, and when the right person comes along and that person will.. you'll be oh so much the better for it cause you'll love and respect yourself and that person will love and respect you as equally high, instead as as equally low.

 

whew.... off my soapbox now.  not that you'll care for any of it but there goes from one older woman to a younger woman as it should be.... now I'm off to eat me breakfast.  Good luck!

 

10/26/08 3:30pm

yeah really..and you said it anyways "weak and stupid", those were your words! Remember the old saying "Love something set it free if it comes back to you ,blah..blah..blah.." well then do it if you truely love him and you quit being so weak and stupid, stand up for what you care for, your probably enabling him at this point anyways.

 whats it gona take, for him to start beating the crap out of you, thats is highly possible. bp people do things like that ya know.

Think about it, why should he admit and want to find help, when your aticking around anyways.

10/26/08 3:31pm

I am young (that's not my fault!) but, trust I'm not naive. I convinced him to go with me to the therapist this morning but, then he said.. "No, I think I want to go by myself" that's the best morning ever! I just pray he stays up to it. I think his mom and I are getting through to him. And, I hope things stay this way. Thanks again and I hope you enjoyed your breakfast! Smile

10/26/08 3:36pm

I just replied.. but, that's so much for the comment. My worst fears are for his abusive ways to become physical. It happened in his past relationship and mine. It was very hard for me to get over. But, I got over that bad one and now, I am trying to get this one straightened out.

10/26/08 3:45pm

cool ok 10-4 roger, hey its lunch trime here

10/26/08 4:06pm

The breakfast cmnt was for the other reply I received. It's lunch time here too.

10/25/08 7:35pm

Your boyfriend needs to find stability with his bipolar first - then the two of you can work on your relationship.  You deserve happiness in your life.  From what you've said, sounds like you'd walk on water for this guy.

 

You cannot fix him - he must find within himself the courage and determination to get the proper help.  For himself, AND for you.  If he truly loves you he must take responsibility for his illness and get his life together.  It won't happen overnight, but if and when he starts making some changes in his life, maybe he will be worth the wait.

 

Judy

 

Judy

10/25/08 8:46pm

I pray everyday that he will get the courage to seek help. It's a struggle for me to support him as my man but, yet not have the courage to say "Get Help or I'm Gone!" We already have distance in-between us but, I don't want to lose him completely. That scares me because we've been through so much together. I've never felt this way about a guy and I've been hurt before but, every time he seems to hurt me, it doesn't matter to me.. I'm super forgiving although some say I shouldn't be. . . I do need to love myself though and I feel like I do. I avoid altercations with him and try not to be too needy when he doesn't want to speak but, it's a difficult process. Something I'm definitely not used to.

10/26/08 1:07am

There are support groups all over the country for bipolar disorder.  This could be a good start for him.  You can make the arrangements and can even go to the meeting with him.  Or you could attend by yourself if he rejects the idea.  Families and loved ones are almost always welcome at these meetings.  Make some calls and ask some questions.  It could make a big difference for both of you.

 

Judy

10/26/08 9:05am

Since he's been calling begging me to speak to him (I've been ignoring him) I will let him know this is something that he has to do if he wants to be with me. It's a really good idea. I already see a therapist and I think it's great... my therapist tells me to leave the situation but, sometimes I feel like no one knows how much we care about eachother but, us. I could be wrong.. but, I'm going to tell him about the groups. Thank you.

12/13/08 2:34am

I think I just said the same thing. Oh MY God.... What do you do when you really love them? I thought I could fix him....now I'm just scared of him.

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By Lost1— Last Modified: 09/04/10, First Published: 10/25/08