I figure I should chime in a bit on this topic. Most of the time I'm on here as an A survivor, but as a therapist by profession, I can give you a lot of great resources.
First, can you successfully be in a relationship with a person diagnosed with Bipolar DO?
Yes.
Second, can you get hurt while in a relationship with a person diagnosed with Bipolar DO?
Yes
However, you could answer yes to both of those questions with anyone you are in a relationship with.
What is Bipolar DO?
The simplest answer is that it is a form of depression where individuals fluctuate between periods of depression and mania. More specifically, people can go between periods of depressive episodes, manic episodes, hypomanic episodes and mixed episodes. Without making it more complicated than that, depending on the combination of those episodes, that will dictate the type of Bipolar they have. For Bipolar I DO, it is a fluctuation between manic and depressive episodes.
What is a depressive episode?
A short period of time where someone has some of these symptoms - depressed thought, feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness/helplessness, poor concentration, sleep problems, appetite issues, problems with self-esteem, low energy, low motivation and suicidal thoughts.
What is a manic episode?
A period of time where an individual experiences grandiose thoughts, entitled beliefs, euphoria, racing thoughts, tangential thoughts, impulsivity, irritability, increased physical activity, anger, rapid speech, decreased need for sleep and lability (rapid fluctuation between crying and laughing).
How can someone that is Bipolar be successful in a relationship?
First, they need to be open to being vulnerable in a relationship - just like everyone else. Second, they need to be able to allow their partner to help support them within the relationship. Third, they have to be aware of their symptoms and stress levels. Fourth, they have to be willing to exercise good judgment. Lastly, most individuals with Bipolar DO require medications and it is necessary that they remain consistent and compliant with those meds.
Is Bipolar DO curable?
Nope. It is a permanent chemical imbalance. It is fairly easy to manage, but most times as individuals with Bipolar decompensate, judgment becomes greatly impaired. Thus leading to poor decisions that leads to increased symptoms.
What should you look out for?
Any of the symptoms above. Also, if this guy does not allow you to be active with discussing your concerns of him, if he begins to show symptoms.
Resources?
I could show you a ton of clinical videos on Bipolar, but this video is one that I have shown to many clients that is genuine and very real. It is of a younger person (early to mid 20's), so it seems more relatable. Plus, it is not in technical jargon. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKtOUNLnS88
If you have more questions about this, just ask. I have worked with probably 350-400 clients who have been diagnosed with Bipolar DO.
Hope this helps.
[This message edited by DepressedDaddy at 11:18 PM, August 11th (Monday)]