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Love the forum and would love to hear from both bipolars and those in relationships with bipolars (no offense as to the reference). I am in love with a diagnosed bipolar woman who I've been seeing for 10 months. Some relevant info: About her past based on what she's told me and I don't know anyone to confirm: -She has been in many relationships. 2 marriages, at least 2 engagements, and other long-term and short-term and at least 1 one-night-stand (that she told me about). I suspect that most have been intimate. -At least 2 suicide attempts. -Cancer survivor. -Physically abusive father (not sexual in nature). -Mother and at least 1 sister also diagnosed. -Sometimes violent in past interactions. Now a little about our brief history: -Met late December '08 and started dating in mid-January. Quite intense quite quickly. -The roller-coaster: For weeks at a time she wants me there all the time, then she needs space and I'm smothering her and she is overwhelmed. Probably 4-5 ups and downs. -No health insurance and she's been turned down for medical assistance and disability which is a source of stress. Obviously she's not getting the proper treatment or medication. -Recent suicide attempt. -She says she loves me and I believe that she does. When she's 'steady' things are good. -I can't remember exactly when she shared her diagnosis with me - it wasn't right away, but it wasn't just recently either. I'll guess that is was about halfway into our 10 months, but the recent attempt shook me up and I finally decided to learn more (yes I was wrong and quite naive in this area). I'm sure there's more and will be glad to answer any questions. Anyway, I have decided that I love this woman and want to try to make it work. She said recently that I she didn't think I could handle a relationship with a bipolar (the day before the attempt, by the way) and after the attaempt, I realized that I didn't know if she was right or wrong, so I decided to educate myself and try to get a handle on what I was up against. While much of the info is frightening, I love this woman and want to be there for her. I know this is somewhat fragmented and spotty in detail, but again I'd love any advise you might offer.
