|
|
Q: For most of my life I have experienced up & down
moods & have never been diagnosed with anything until recently when I was told
my condition is Bipolar. My Bipolar has caused 3 major relapses now resulting in
my current partner trying to end our relationship at the time. most of the
relapse have occurred around work stress which I left a job for hoping for
improvement in my condition. I found a job with less stress& hours which also
gave me time to spend at home as we have 3month old new born. after three months
in the new job I was sacked because they had ran out of funding but they accused
me of doing something that I didn't do in order to get rid of me. I took them to
court over the incident & again my stress was getting to me and the legal bills
were adding up. I had to drop the case as it was going to cost 12,000 money we
don't have. this caused my condition to spiral even more causing another relapse
now my partner & bub have taken off and wants us to be over to be over as she
cannot take the relapses any more. I don't think that she sees the warning signs
of an approaching relapse and doesn't understand how serious the condition is.
I take all my med and attend mental health meetings plus visit a phycologist
once a week. each relapse has put me in hospital of late! I love her so much!
and I know that she loves me. I find it hard at the moment to even talk on the
phone with her without getting angry as she wont come home unless I move out and
doesnt want to sit down and talk about it and look at other options. I know this
is now the third time she has experienced an episode but we are a young family
with a 3 month old baby that I adore and a partner that I would do anything for
who I feel is turning her back on the problem with influence from family
members. I know by removing myself from stressful situations helps my condition
which I did with my work but it back fired on me and look what has happened. I
would just like my partner to come to a phycologist visit with me and ask as
many questions as she needs to plus see that there is support there for her to.
we are now a "family" and we need each other but I dont know what to do any
suggestions.
Dear C,
What are the warning signs of your approaching relapse and what do
you do to prevent them? This may sound like either a simple or monumental
question depending on your point of view. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'm
going to suggest you read the following book and use it as your bible: Loving
Someone With Bipolar Disorder by Julie A. Fast. This book discusses in detail
how you and your partner can formulate a plan that is proactive rather than
reactive when it comes to dealing with your disease. Remember you have as much
if not MORE responsibility for taking control of your own situation here.
There are MANY things you can do for yourself whether you are alone or
together with your spouse. It is NOT simply a matter of your partner
understanding and learning to tolerate your mood swings.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Get sufficient rest, regular exercise, eat a
balanced diet, work at managing your stress level, and avoid alcohol or other
drugs. Research has shown that individuals with bipolar disorder who are able
to maintain a daily and regular routine are better able to avoid relapses in
their disorder.
Learn to identify symptoms that can trigger relapses, Have an action plan
in mind such as who to call, which medications to add, or which proactive
behaviors to engage in when you notice signs of a possible relapse. Ask family
members and trusted friends to remind you when they notice signs of a possible
relapse.
Get as much information as you can on your own disorder. I have
listed several helpful resources below:
Depression and Bipolar
Support Alliance, (800) 826-3632,
http://www.dbsalliance.org
National Mental Health Association, (800)
969-6642,
http://www.nmha.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (800)
950-6264,
http://www.nami.org
David Schafer, M.Ed.
Staff Psychologist
Published Sept., 2006
|
|
