Hi
I have been in relationship with a lovely man for 8 months who is BP. He has been in a two month long episode of recent. It's been very painful for me to witness and I find the physical and emotional withdrawal quite difficult to cope with. I believe he is now coming out of it but there is still no desire on his part to initiate any tenderness other than a hug. Does it take some time to recover from an episode? I'm just uncertain what to expect as far as return to normalcy. I just took the brave step of telling him that this has been taking a toll on me and that I am suffering even though it's clearly not his fault. He said he still cares about me and that in itself is a relief because it's been hard for me to know whether his withdrawal has been all "episode related". I would really appreciate any feedback on this topic.
thanks,
Lianna
Q: What does recovery from a BP episode look like?
Hi, Lianna. I have an appreciation for what you're going through. I can only answer in terms of generalities, which may or may not apply to you. Here goes:
Welcome to our world. You've experienced close up the duality of our illness. What is real is the very qualities that attracted you to him. And what is real is what you are experiencing now. In a sense, bipolar is personality writ large. On one hand, the strong magnetic force is irresistible; on the other the sudden onset of the reverse magnetism is disconcerting and heartbreaking.
It's almost as if those of us with bipolar need time out to recover. It's as if a hibernation instinct kicks in. My guess is he will come out of it, but I also suspect this is part of the many things you two will have to work out when you take your relationship to the next level.
Trust me, bipolars bring a lot to any loving relationship, but we can also be a challenge to live with. You sound very understanding. Please be hopeful ...
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
My boyfriend is BP and not on meds. He is in a major low right now, and broke up with me last week...because he needed lots and lots of space...and wanted to "hibernate alone in his trailer".
I have not had very much contact in a week. Very one sentence emails...and jokes. He did say that he missed me in one response. But I am afraid to keep pushing and trying...I don't want to drive him further away. We had been seeing each other for 8 months and it was wonderful.
I don't want to lose him because of this, but when he broke up with me, how do I get back thru to him that I don't wanna be broken up?
Can someone help with advice on how to proceed?