Bipolar Hope

@BPhope

Hi there BPhope

I’m so happy you posted here! If you want support with how to navigate Bipolar you can always browse the listener page here! and connect with wonderful and empathic listeners. One tip is to look at the listener’s bio and see if they have “Bipolar” under their direct/lived experience, as these listeners might be best suited to provide support in how to navigate Bipolar! Otherwise you can always enter different support rooms in order to gain some more insight!

Best of wishes, Vision <3

Hi there,

My situation is a little different but maybe it will help. I struggle with OCD and my partner is the one who supports me.

I noticed you mentioned that you try to offer logical solutions to help your partner. This can be great at times, but can be tricky too. My partner and I had to learn together over time-- sometimes I really just need him to listen and understand the feeling that I'm having. When he gives me logical advice, although he is definitely trying to help and reduce my stress, it can sometimes make me feel like he didn't think my feeling was important. It isn't the truth of the matter but it's just how I feel.

So for me, when I'm struggling with OCD related things, my partner will try to focus on validating my feelings, like holding my hand and saying "it must be really frustrating to deal with that" instead of jumping right to advice like "try to do your meditation". I take advice so much better once my emotions have been validated first.

Anyway hopefully that helps in some type of way!

There is an app called clubhouse where people can meet to have discussions. One of the groups you should join is called I Married Bipolar. This group shares stories and coping strategies they use in their marriage. They usually tape the discussions so you can listen to them in case you cannot log on during their meeting times. They also invite life coaches whose job is to help families navigate struggles with bipolar. Hope this helps!

Support groups area mixed bag. I was in one that was very rigid and had a strong "positive only" policy. Nuts for a group of bipolar people. Another I do like but I'm not sure it's really all that helpful. I've been on sessions where someone was talking about being depressed and suicidal, went through their reasons for being depressed, and my first thought was to think "yeah, your life isn't woth living." She was a beautiful younger woman with a job. I'm so glad I didn't actually say something.

I did once speak up when another person talked about suicide, but not to talk them down, but to advise them against pills because they're not effective.

I'm a very solution oriented person. What would be helpful to me would be a simple "you're not yourself today" reminder. It sounds like your partner wants the opposite though.

Maybe better in your situation not to actually say anything, but do something that can help. For me that would mean separating from the situation; going away for a weekend. I'll do something I enjoy but not so rare it will make me nostalgic and depressed another time thinking I can't do it again.

🫂