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22-06-2019 06:37 PM
22-06-2019 06:37 PM
Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
Hi there,
Has anyone else been in a similar situation and has overcome the resentment?
Any advice would be appreciated.
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22-06-2019 12:09 AM
22-06-2019 12:09 AM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
Hi @Rainy_nights,
you have a lot on your plate - it's great you are seeing a therapist. I have been in a similar situation regarding being pinned down by an ex partner who was abusive (I think he was a narcissist). I could not get over the resentment and despised him to the point that when ever he started talking I was saying shut up inside my head and sometimes said it out loud which ended in yelling matches and upset my daughter who was 7 at the time. I realized that the relationship was only going to get worse and so I suggested marriage counselling. He said no so I ended the relationship (after 12 years). I wish i'd had the courage to end it earlier. It sounds like your relationship is toxic and you deserve better; his bipolar is not an excuse for his behaviour. You need to leave him for yourself and your child. I wish you well and feel for you in this horrible situation I know how hard it is to take action when you are exhausted.
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22-06-2019 05:03 AM - edited 22-06-2019 08:34 AM
22-06-2019 05:03 AM - edited 22-06-2019 08:34 AM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
Hi @SuzieQ ,
Thank you for your reply.
I can definitely relate to the voice in your head that screams 'shut up' whenever he talks.
It has been very toxic and I always worry about how it will affect our son as he is at that age where he is observing behaviours. I think I've come to the point now where I'll be serious in implementing a plan to leave. He threatens to destroy our home or my sisters home and take his life if I was ever to leave & take our son to which he says would be on me. I definitely feel like he has the potential to do these things but I realise they are also emotional blackmail too.
It is all so very exhausting, especially when he cant see what he is doing. He believes that because he is making improvements in his behaviour, that he can no longer be the issue - its me, I'm the one not working on the relationship, I'm the one who is the problem. He can be so convincing...
I'm so glad you found a better life for yourself & your daughter - I admire your strength. Thank you for sharing your story, I definitely feel a little less crazy 🙂
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26-06-2019 08:54 AM
26-06-2019 08:54 AM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
I think most of us with loved ones have dealt with less than pleasant words but BPii is no excuse for abuse. His bad behaviour is not your fault.
Lovingly supporting someone with MH issues however is not wrong and it can be done in a healthy manner.
I am not experienced with DV, can I gently suggest you call 1800respect where you can get help from those who are.
A lot of us carers have our own counsellors who help us as we negotiate life around our lived ones difficulties. Setting and maintaining boundaries (relationship rules that protect your heart) is a difficult thing to do, one of mine is that Mr Darcy will remain in treatment/on meds. Can I encourage you to do the same, your GP can give you a MH plan which will allow you 10 psychology sessions that are Medicare rebateable and there are a number of therapists who will bulk bill with the MH plan if finances are an issue..
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26-06-2019 09:42 AM
26-06-2019 09:42 AM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
So sorry you are going through this and its really great that you have come through here to reach out.
Just wanted to echo @Former-Member here and ask if you have ever looked into a support for yourself like a counsellor to help in this instance?
Also 1800Respect is a great service to connect with - other helpful services are listed on this website
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26-06-2019 10:29 PM
26-06-2019 10:29 PM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
Thank you for your responses @Former-Member @Lauz .
I have seeked a MH plan this year and it has helped a lot in deciphering his behaviours - what is traits of his MI and what is not.
I am probably still more confused than ever with the whole situation though but it is good to have some reassurance that my gut is right about his bad behaviours and it's not ok for him to blame his bipolar...
I guess I have read through some threads wondering if there were some answers out there for me by someone else who has lived/lives with this same situation.
May be there's someone who can talk to me more about leaving or if there is light at the end of the long tunnel...
I dont really know anymore, just kinda feels like I'm grasping at straws in an effort to navigate through this rollercoaster ride.
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27-06-2019 09:58 PM
27-06-2019 09:58 PM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
It's great that you have been able to check out some other threads to help guide you in your own experience, the 1800Respect number is a great one to call regarding your situation. Even if you just want to just talk to someone, they will help provide you with options that you can then think about with the information you have found here. You mentioned that you are on maternity leave, how old is your little one currently?
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28-06-2019 04:04 AM
28-06-2019 04:04 AM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
Hi @Ali11
He is almost 1 now.
I've taken an extended leave off work as I started study again this year which has helped me mentally but has come with other challenges from him (of course).
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28-06-2019 04:15 PM
28-06-2019 04:15 PM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
ohhhhh @Rainy_nights
my husband has bipolar 11 and other diagnosis
sending you tender hugs @Ali11 , @Former-Member , @SuzieQ
we aare here for you @Rainy_nights xx
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28-06-2019 06:15 PM
28-06-2019 06:15 PM
Re: Bipolar II partner - feeling overwhelmed
That's an exciting age, but they command a lot of attention and care when they're so small, don't they @Rainy_nights? How is the study going?