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I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 6 years ago and was hospitalized after a week long manic episode. Untreated persons with this disorder make for poor relationships. My marriage of over 20 years will soon be ending, mainly because the disorder went untreated (unknown to me what it was) until the manic episode. My wife has been through the mill with me, and it's time for us both to move on. The kids are for the most part grown. The hurt in a relationship that can be caused by someone untreated with this is unbelieveable.
I was as guilty as the next person for labeling folks "crazy". Yes, the actions can be crazy like, but the person isn't crazy. As was so well stated earlier, bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain and can be treated. It requires no use of alcohol or other illegal drugs that are usually used to "self" medicate. I go for blood level checks every 3 months to make sure my med is doing it's job.
The very first step in dealing with this is education. Lots of it. My wife has been unwilling to accept parts of my past that were hurtful to her. I don't blame her. I'm still in therapy and have hopes for a happy relationship down the road. It will take the right person to live with me, usually someone who is willing to educate themselves.
Regards, T
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