Reddit reviews Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner

My husband read this and it has helped https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Bipolar-Disorder-Understanding/dp/1572243422

My husband is BP2 and was diagnosed about 3 years ago. A book I found really helpful was: http://www.amazon.ca/Loving-Someone-Bipolar-Disorder-Understanding/dp/1572243422/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426032024&sr=8-2&keywords=Loving+Someone+with+Bipolar+Disorder%3A+Understanding+and+Helping+Your+Partner
I have read criticisms of this book that say you are basically a slave to your partner, but I have to admit that in living with someone with this disorder, you kind of are.

I'm fond of these titles:
Bipolar Disorder Demystified from 2003, I still have my copy. It's cheap on Amazon. I sat down with all the books at a local book store and this is the one that was approachable to me, when I first got diagnosed.
http://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Demystified-Mastering-Depression/dp/B002HOQ9BG/

Loving Someone with Bipolar is a great book as well, for your partner or family. Be aware, that the book is not going to pull punches, and flat out does tell people that sometimes, in order to financially or emotionally survive and do well, you have to leave people with mental disorders. It encourages people to help, but not to devote their every waking moment to caring for their mood disorder partner.
http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Bipolar-Disorder-Julie/dp/1572243422/r

Hey, way to go! You should be really proud of your efforts!!!

I quit smoking weed 3 weeks ago and stopped cigarettes 4 days ago. I was abusing other substances too - but quit that 6 years ago...or so. I have been smoking weed (hash) every day - all day - for 8 years. I have smoked cigarettes since I was 12 - and I am now 38.

I can relate to the feelings you have. I have been through periods where I thought my best friends would kill me, that my girl hated me, that my parents couldn't care less - but I have put that in the bipolar bag - and not in any other bag. I use a nicotine substitute called Snus (almost like chewing tobacco) so I am not off the nicotine yet - but I am proud that I have quit smoking.

I do believe quitting any substance can trigger a mania - or atleast make your brain race. I think it will pass like all our periods do.

What is more important here is your girlfriend. She need's to be educated. Seriously! Have you showed her the Stephen Fry movie? Please show her that - it is a good starting point. Also - I can recommend the book "An unquiet mind"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679763309?ie=UTF8&tag=b069-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0679763309

What about this one?

"Loving someone with Bipolar Disorder"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572243422?ie=UTF8&tag=b069-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1572243422

I have not read that one - I am chronically single :) ...oh wait :(

:)

I don't have much to add, as everyone has already said it (if you feel you are in need of hospital help go to the hospital).

I did want to suggest you taking your SO with you to your psych next appointment, so she can hear from a "professional" that what you have is more than "just being down". I have come to see that almost everyone that has no previous experience with mental illness seem to share this view. "Why, if you just tried a bit harder, and wanted it enough you'd be able to snap out of it. Even my sweet husband, at first.

So, the treatment for her is to become educated. Knowledge = less fear=understanding. Books on bipolar and again, hearing that it's a legitimate "thing" from a third party professional was key for my situation. I liked this book: Welcome to the Jungle, Everything You Wanted to Know About Bipolar But Were Too Freaked Out to Ask because it's written in a casual, accessible tone. The other one that might be good is Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder. The more academic books might be a bit off-putting.

Please keep us updated when you are able.

This is a really good book: Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder