Big Hello from Tennessee...

[fortheoneilove]

Hello everyone.  I'm a 25-year old male from Tennessee and stumbled across this website while trying to find some informative insight in dealing with someone with bipolar.  My girlfriend of 1 year is currently being evaluated but all signs point to bipolar disorder so I want to prepare myself with knowledge so I can combat the ongoing battle which she faces daily.

What books are highly recommended for both she and I?
How should I approach her when she is in a depressive/manic state?

I live in East Tennessee, if there are any recommendations as far as psychiatrists/clinical specialists then I would love to follow up.

Any insight/general advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Seth

[Phyllis]

Hey Seth!

God bless you for being pro-active!!! You must really love your gal. BP can be a very difficult disease/illness to deal with for both the person who has it and for the partners/family members. There are a slew of good books out there, one that I have heard that is good is "Bipolar for Dummies" I had a really good book, but I lost it in a move and can't recall the name of it.

We have a ton of information in the "Friends and Family" section of the board. Take a peek.

And welcome! I hope we can help you during this journey!

[Paz]

 Hi,
 A good place to check out on the web is about.com just go there & type in bipolar disorder and read all that they have posted there. When I was first diagnosed, I went to that site and it explained alot.  You are a good man to want to try & understand what is going on with your lady...as hard as it is  for you to comprehend, believe me, it's going to be even harder for her. Hang in there, she is going to need your understanding & love & support.

[Joe Buck]

Seth...You are a wonderful caregiver. You are wise to realise that BPD will not only affect your girlfriend, but everyone in your support circle. Studies show the more knowledge of BPD...the better it is for everyone. Because of the stigma of brain disorders (modern term for mental illness) getting & gathering support will be difficult. I congratulate you...it takes a big person, to step up to the plate, especially when brain disorders are involved. I am just being upfront with you, because it does no-one any  good to sugar coat the truth. I've read many a book related to BPD, but one of the best is: The noonday demon : an atlas of depression / by Solomon, Andrew, 1963- 2001. Solomen put out some new editions of Noonday. Andrew Solomen has BPD & this is the most comprehensive book I have read on depression & BPD. Again welcome to bpbabble, this is a good place...with wonderful people. If I can be of further assistance...just ring my chimes. To leave message go to members...find Joe Buck...click on...leave message. Seth you & your girlfriend can do it...but it will not be a walk in the park. See you around bpbabble...Joe Buck  (Bob)

[Luigi]

Welcome, Seth - I think it is admirable that you want to research into your girfriend's illness so that you can offer her support

[fortheoneilove]

Phyllis, paz, JB, luigi-

Thank you all so much for the prompt reply and valuable feedback.  I firmly believe that the best way to weather a storm is to first prepare and then learn to dance in the rain.  I am a very optimistic person and I'm dealing with a woman that I care about tremendously.  I will be sure to check out the aforementioned texts as well as utilize the resources on the web that have been suggested.

Also, I appreciate your honesty in regard to this disorder.  Sugar coating and dancing around the seriousness of this disease seems like a recipe for epic failure so I truly am thankful for you all being blunt.

I look forward hearing from you all as much as possible.

Thanks friends.

Seth

[nordicnicki]

what a star you are actually getting involved in your girlfriends illness and wanting to educate yourself on it.....i wish there were more people like that around.
i found out more about bipolar 1 and 2 from being a part of this site and hearing others stories than i did from any literature.......i guess it was a case of getting it from the horses mouth rather than the owner......i hope we see more of you and can help with any questions that you may have......maybe you could get your girlfriend to join aswell....just an idea

[Gemini]

Hi Seth and welcome.  It is really great of you to want to learn and gather information on helping your girlfriend.  I must say that there are definitely not enough of you out there that are willing to learn and stick around.  You are a real gem!!!

[grey ghost]

Hey Seth,

  Check out bipolar.com   And two pieces of advice coming from a bipolar are:
1) tell your girl to keep a daily mood log.  It will help her to keep track of what's going on with her illness.  It's hard to remember your changing moods when it comes time to discuss them with her doctor.
2) help her to maintain her medication schedule.  other than psychizophrenics, we are the worst people on the planet to suddenly stop taking our meds.  I have no idea why.  we just do.

good luck pal.  it's a challenge but you can do it if you really want to.

[chasemanzmum]

welcome to our creative venue..I'm chasemanzmum