Bipolar Questions

Posted by jonespeony @jonespeony, Jul 7, 2022

Hello all,

I'm writing as the ex-partner of someone with bipolar disorder, and I'm working to try and learn more about it.

Long story short, my ex ended our relationship out of the blue after she had a medical scare (that perhaps was a trigger for this mood shift). She did this even though her closest friends and family members told her she was making a mistake. The medical scare ended up not being as serious as the doctors thought, and so she is now feeling a lot of relief. I can only imagine she was immensely stressed and scared during the month of time when the outcome was unknown. (Note - she is medicated, in therapy, eats well, exercises to manage moods.)

My first question is, do the behaviors below seem like a bipolar episode?
- seemingly impulsive decision to end our relationship
- pushed away close friends and family members
- was suddenly cold & distant towards me - tone shifted, body language shifted.
- days before the doctor appointment, she told me she was so in love, was telling her friends how happy she was, was excited for our future, etc.
- When I talked to her, it's like her body was present, but her mind was gone - she just stared off into space, wouldn't make eye contact, barely responded.
- had trouble sleeping after the appointment, was extremely tired.
- didn't talk to any friends/family about the breakup after it happened.
- Acted like she was FINE when spending time with friends - to the point where they are somewhat concerned.

My second question is, if someone is experiencing a (hypo)manic/depressed/or mixed features episode, once the stressor is removed, does the person come out of the episode quickly? Or is it a slow recovery back to a baseline? What is your experience?

Thank you in advance for your help & patience with my questions.

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johnfeldman | @johnfeldman | Aug 13, 2022

In reply to @marjou "@johnfeldman Have you tried Miralax when taking medication. Eating greens like spinach or kale?" + (show)

Marjou, I took Miralax for about a month but it didn't help. I already eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day. Thanks for your suggestion.

hadassah70 | @hadassah70 | Mar 6 6:17am

Baseline - if her normal was with you I guess you are asking will she want to go back out with you once she comes to her self fully most likely yes! Will she this depends on her level of humility when stress is at bay

dfb | @dfb | Mar 7 1:57pm

My doctors tell me I have bipolar disorder, though I have not had a manic episode in ten years. The only manic episode I had was likely brought on by excessive amounts of antidepressants. Whatever the cause it was life-changing.

I told my wife of twenty years I wanted a divorce; I loved her very much. I began an affair; I'd been faithful for twenty years. I started drinking alcohol; I'd been sober for thirty-two years and I destroyed a billion-dollar company we had built together. Ultimately, I had a psychotic break and committed a crime that landed me in prison for two and a half years.

Mania, left unchecked can be very destructive. People were used to me being in charge and didn't question my actions until it was too late. Even my psychiatrist did nothing until I was in the emergency room.

If the people who loved me had questioned my behavior before I was out of control I might still be married to the woman I love, together raising our children.

If you love someone and their behavior is contra to the person they have been, asking questions is loving. How they answer them and the choices they make are ultimately up to them and the providers.

I was a very high-functioning person. My manic behavior initially just looked like an extension of my usual thought process.

All we can ever do is lead with love.

I wish you and your loved one peace and good health.