Hello Ksos,
This is an interesting topic for me and thank you for bringing it up. When I was diagnosed with bipolar many things fell into place. I understood my severe troubles in youth and as a young adult. I was arrested for soliciting when I was sixteen and had children with men I never knew, escept for one who was a bodyguard in New York. That´s all I know. I ruined my relationships by overspending and having lovers, watching porn and compulsive masturbation.
I believe Jesica says it for me. I couldn´t control my sexdrive because of my bipolar disease - excessive sexual behaviour and spending is a text book exemple - and sexual addiction was thrown in as well with my alchohol abuse (I´m sober 17 years). I don´t feel the need anymore to sleep around since I got the meds, but when I meet someone I get chemistry from I feel my mania is surfacing, so I have to remain vigilante and using the reason to guide me. I take care of it as well with meds and therapy, plus creative work and lots of exercise.
I decided to become celibate for some time to really work on this delicate but important issue. But I´m aware sex and intimacy are important too, but it´s difficult to navigate right now.
I wish you the best of luck with all of this. It´s a big issue and we all need support where we are not judged but made to feel welcome. Come back and share.
Morning Glory, thank you for all this info. You´re truly amazing.