 Can you tell someone it's their illness acting up?
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum, but have been reading if for a while and it's comforting to know i'm not alone. I was involved with someone who is most likely bipolar. A year into the relationship, after thinking I was the one going crazy, I finally figured out there's something going on with her. After lots of research, all the symptoms indicated either bipolar or borderline personality. When I approached her about it, my now (ex)GF said she had been told she might be bipolar (although I don't believe she's ever been treated for it). Because of what was going on with her, I was led to begin my own recovery work (CoDA). For that I'm very grateful. Funny how we are led to do our own work!
My question: does a bipolar person realize how the disease affects them and those around them? Does it ultimately reside in the bipolar to seek out treatment/help? As a codependent in early recovery, the lines are still fuzzy and I'm very conflicted about not being there for her but mostly, that she may not realize it's her illness wreaking havoc in her life and that there are solutions. About 3 mos. ago she quit meds (Lexapro) cold turkey, her anger is constantly flaring, she quit a hi paying job, and now stands to lose everthing (she's already been through that once before-homeless). She's looking for religious salvation (in a highly christian fundamentalist church... she's a lesbian, it's not working!) She's a good person underneath all that stuff (and musically gifted), and I hate to see her going through life like this. Any words of wisdom welcome. I'm considering sending her the bipolar book mentioned in a previous thread. As a friend and someone who still loves and cares about her, is that as much as I can do for her at this stage? TIA. elena
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