I think my boyfriend might be bipolar?!
Question: My boyfriend is 22 years old, and we've been dating for about 8 1/2 months now... so I know him pretty well, but I still have way more to learn! He told me once that when he was younger doctors used to test him to see what was mentally wrong (I can only assume he meant things like depressive or bipolar) with him... but they never could figure anything out- he was only diagnosed with ADD. He has a tendency to not sleep very well at all, he has a bad temper, can be irrational, easily irritated, he used to get in TONS of fights (and was quite legendary at his high school & college), he hates school, has a tendency to abuse drugs, he spends his money -very- quickly, etc. But right now he seems very depressed and wants to change- but seems to be having trouble. He doesn't want to have sex, he just wants to sleep (given, he works a very tiring job all day), is always beating himself up. This makes him sound terrible- but I assure you he's amazing. Don't waste your time telling me otherwise:)
Answers: My boyfriend is 22 years old, and we've been dating for about 8 1/2 months now... so I know him pretty well, but I still have way more to learn! He told me once that when he was younger doctors used to test him to see what was mentally wrong (I can only assume he meant things like depressive or bipolar) with him... but they never could figure anything out- he was only diagnosed with ADD. He has a tendency to not sleep very well at all, he has a bad temper, can be irrational, easily irritated, he used to get in TONS of fights (and was quite legendary at his high school & college), he hates school, has a tendency to abuse drugs, he spends his money -very- quickly, etc. But right now he seems very depressed and wants to change- but seems to be having trouble. He doesn't want to have sex, he just wants to sleep (given, he works a very tiring job all day), is always beating himself up. This makes him sound terrible- but I assure you he's amazing. Don't waste your time telling me otherwise:)
I don't know why everyone else is answering the way they are...first of all, yes, it sounds like he is Bipolar. And although some other posters here feel, he (and you) can have a normal life. I'm severely Bipolar and for 5 years I was very sick. For the last year, I've been almost completely stable. It can happen...don't let anyone make you feel bad about yourself or your boyfriend...the people who spend lots of time here "answering" mental health posts, need major therapy themselves. Being Bipolar IS NOT easy. Its very hard, and very very draining...but with love, and medication, and patience, it can be managed. Best of luck.
that sucks
maybe depressed? maybe bipolar? could be post traumatic stress disorder if something happend
talk to him abuot going back to the dr
they have newer theorys and can probably help :)
I used to love a guy like this.. sounds awful on paper but he is also the complete opposite to you.. loving kind caring sweet gentle. I wish I had some advise for you babe but i dont.. alll i wanted to say is just snuggle up with him when he just wants to sleep but let the option of sex be there.. just talk to him and be there.. perhaps speak to his mum?? I think if you too have a bond and a special relationship you may be the girl to help him out of this.. he does trust you as he is telling you this and he is changing as you said.. i think he sounds like a good man you stick in and give him your all.. only the strong survive.
Is this a case of "birds of a feather, flock together" or "opposites attract" I think your problems are greater than his if we a wasting your time to tell you otherwise.
If he is working than he must have insurance and if he truly wants to change he has to get a professional mental health evaluation and the help that he needs. I am not going to try and talk you out of a relationship with him, but I will tell you that if he is bipolar and remains untreated you are going on a roller coaster ride with a guy that you are not going to like-- one bit. Use your influence, if he loves you he has to get the help he needs. Good luck. PS- His life could be so much better, stay firm.
brfore i met my husband he was a rebel at school, expelled from the all, turned 16 and from then was in and out of prison for drugs and fighting, he even used to ring stolen cars- he knows all the tricks in the book every theif would know.
But ever since we moved in together and had children and got married he has settled down and is currently self employed plasterer and hes so loving and love him very much.
Im not saying get married and start a family but you need to move away from the people he hangs around with and try a whole new experience. move 50 miles + so he will not be able to get into trouble and to focus on your life. Get him motivated at what hes good at and try get to work or get his own business. you have to try and there will be times when its hard. You will find when the tough gets tough- your more in love with eachother because you both are dealing with life together.
He will settle down and is prob at the point now where he thinks its pathetic what he does and he wants to chnage but doesnt know how. If you both want it to work you have to make sacrifices
Yes...
Sounds like it...
(Any "good" points you'd care to mention? Because...if he's so amazing...exactly what is he amazing in? Sex? If "sex" is all that he's "amazing" in...then...)
He's not that "amazing..."
Maybe you ought to think about this long and hard...or maybe "stop" thinking about things "long and hard..."
Because...this guy might beat you up to a pulp during one of his "manic-depressive phases," and may not make "breaking up" seem very easy...sometimes that kind of thing can get "lethal..."
Be careful...you should read your own question...and ask yourself this...
What exactly is "good" about this guy besides the fact that he's your boyfriend?
I can tell you right now if he is bipolar you will never have a normal life and your kids will not.
I would think long and hard about this.
YoHo u r dead wrong. Although bipolar is not a cureable illness it
IS treatable. And if a bipolar person takes their meds, they can live a normal and productive life. What r u talking about?