I am new to this site and came across this in search of information about Bipolar disorder.  My boyfriend and I have been dating for about 6 months. We were actually reacquainted with one another earlier this year.  We went to grade school together and he was the first boy I ever liked.  Initially things between us were great. We have alot in common, were the best of friends and really got along perfectly.  I found myself falling for him all over again.  He initially was hesistant about getting involved with me due to a previous relationship that had ended on a bad note. With time he learned to trust me and we decided to become a couple. 

About 2 months ago, my boyfriend's behavior changed drastically. He began to have erractic mood swings, insomnia, paranoia, along with other things. His behavior became so unstable that his family asked him to stay with them.  At that point he was too unstable to be left alone. We all encourgaged him to see a doctor.  He thought we were all crazy but he eventually agreed to do so. A hospital stay and few sessions of therapy later he was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder.

Although he knows that he has this disorder, he has not truly accepted it.  I say this because his actions are against all doctors orders.  The doctor prescribed sleeping pills to him. Because he is in such a manic state, the dosage of medication has been changed 2 times already.  The doctor has continually told him that he cannot drink, must get the proper rest he needs, eat at least 3 meals or more a day and lessen his sugar intake.

Well to say the least, he's barely doing anything the doctor has asked him to do consistently. He's still drinking here and there claiming that he only does it as a way to calm him down when he feels anxious or depressed.  He constantly eats and uses excessive amounts of sugar, as well as his obsessive need to be on the go with little to no sleep.

We've gone to therapy with his immediate family but things still seem to be the same. During the week when he has a structured work schedule, he's fine. We all realize that he has to take the necessary steps to help himself along with our support.  However, my boyfriend is under the impression that he can do this as he wants to and not follow ALL of the doctors orders, just some of them as he wishes. So we have a long way to go with his treatment.

We argue more and more now and I don't know what to do.  I am now at the fork in the road and need help myself dealing with this. A part of me wants to leave but I love him and really want to stick this through. Realistically, I need to know what a future with him may entail.  I have a young child that he loves and thinks the world of.  However, she is my first priority and I need to think about her first.

Can anyone offer me any insight into what the future may hold?  I want to evaluate this logically and need all of the facts and some perspective into making a final decision.