Bipolar Disorder/Bi-polat type 1

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/18/2009


Question
I have been dating a bipolar girl, and I care about her so much. One thing I'm afraid of (correct me if I'm wrong) is that she might be so good at lying/cheating. I do trust her but she mentioned the fact that sometimes she gets impulsive and ends up drinking and doing stuff she'd regret.
Please help by explaining a bit about lying/bipolar.
Also do you think meditation could help restore awareness?


Answer
Why would you have any reason to be concerned about how well your girlfriend lies and/or cheats?  Something that transcends bipolar disorder and everything it entails; with respect to romantic relationships; is lying and cheating.  In other words, lying and cheating are equal opportunity behaviors, so anyone with or without bipolar disorder can choose doing them (some people do them so frequently that they develop other behaviors to assist them in continuing to cheat and lie.)
 Have you ever had too much to drink, resulting in something happening that you later regretted? (And I mean while in any relationship or while single!)  Perhaps your girlfriend was trying to be open about herself, but didn't expect you to become secretly suspicious of what she might be doing when you're not there.  If you really trust her, you shouldn't put limits on it, or it's not really trusting her is it?  

Bipolar Disorder

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.