Bi Polar Disorder (Part 1 of a 6 part series)

I have decided to dedicate the next week’s entries to Bi-Polar Disorders because I work with a number of people who have BPD. (Bi Polar Disorder). BPD has very negative effects on a relationship. There are no total cures but there are ways to effectively manage BPD and the next blogs will give you an idea of what can be done to help both the individual and the relationship survive this difficult situation.

Note:
As I get response from the couples that I am working with and from my blog, I will consider writing a manual for people with BPD and their partners, so please contact me with your reaction to my entries.

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Definition of Bi Polar Disorder

Someone who is suffering from BPD will go through mood swings where on one side they have a high level of energy, overly optimistic, and their behavior is very hyper; on the other side the person is depressed (sometimes to the extreme level of being suicidal), they have a low energy level and are extremely pessimistic, perhaps anxious, sad, or guilty.

The conventional wisdom is that medication is advisable for this disorder. BPD can also have very negative effects on relationships as well. My next blog will be addressed to the partner of someone who has BPD and my last blog will talk about how the disorder itself can be treated.

Resources:
The material that I will share with you I will take from my clinical experience with individuals and couple who are struggling with this issue on an individual level and as a couple.

Here are some of the books that I am also using as references that you can also use to get additional information:
Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder by Julie fast and John Preston.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Bi Polar Disorder. By Jay Carter and Bobbi Dempsey

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide. By David L Miklowitz.

When Someone You Love is Bipolar, by Cynthia Last.

Win The Battle: The 3-step Lifesaving Formula to conquer Depression and Bipolar Disorder by Bob Olsen

Finding Your Bi polar Muse by Lana Castle

Bipolar Disorder Demystified by Lana Castle

In my next blog, I will address the partner of the person who is Bi polar. I will start with that because in my experience, the partner is most influential in getting the person afflicted with BPD into therapy. Usually the
Person themselves is engaged in denial. They are especially resistant when they are in their “manic” phase and when they are in a depressive stage they lack the emotional energy to get themselves to go for help.

Here is a list of what the other blogs will cover:

Blog # 2 – Will be focused on the partner of the person

Blog # 3 – Is geared toward the person who is struggling with BPD their symptoms and triggers (what sets off BPD episodes)

Blog#4 – For the person with BPD

Blog #5 – Identifying your own triggers

Blog #6 – Working as team with meaningful others