What can I do with bipolar/manic depressive partner?

What can I do with bipolar/manic depressive partner?

• Keeping it as short as possible here, I have been living with somebody who has bipolar disorder, and every other day arguments start, usually over something small or it can be nothing at all, just niggling until there is an argument. I cannot cope with this so have to get out of the house and go to stay with parents when it kicks off like this, the medication seems to be of little use. I would rather not take off each time it happens but I don't know what else to do, is there any way to defuse someone with this sort of problem, have you known someone like this and what did you do? I realise that people with this disorder can control their feelings but surely there is some way to control actions?

• Answer:

  A person with bipolar disorder is far better able to cope with the disorder if their friends and loved ones have an understanding of what they are experiencing. It may sound strange but friends and lovers are also far better able to cope with the disorder when they have a good understanding as to what it involves. The joint understanding allows all parties to understand what the other is going through. One way of improving understanding all round is to find a support group which includes friends and lovers as part of the group. About eight years ago I met a lady who was to become my second wife. Bipolar disorder was new to her. I made a point of explaining it to her. Judy made a point of learning about bipolar disorder. Today we have a very strong relationship. I have very few problems with bipolar disorder. I strongly believe that the good understanding Judy and I have about the disorder is one of the major reasons this is the case. I hope that you and your partner are able to come to a good understanding about bipolar disorder.