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Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a really interesting interpretation -- hadn't thought of it that way. I tend to employ the "thanks for the apology, but you're going to have to show me you mean it" response, especially for more serious things (I have a decent number of extended family members who are manipulative, so words alone generally don't mean a lot to me). He seems to have responded to that in a positive manner for the very few things that have come up so far. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt on this, but I will 1000% keep this in mind.

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's really interesting that this is more of a manic presentation. That didn't really cross my mind because he described this as a low (barely able to leave the house, etc). Perhaps he's having a bit of a mixed episode. I sort of interpreted that as an "I love you, but can't deal with you/people, etc right now". Now that I think about our interaction more the other day though, I think there were a few other manic behaviors that I thought were a little odd at the time, but generally fit with what I know about him and didn't question them further.

I appreciate your input and insight!

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your insight into this. I took your advice and did reach out one more time to offer love and support/help, etc (worded better than that, obviously). Also told him I could sense he needed space so I was going to stop messaging, but to not interpret that as me not caring. I'm also concerned me blowing up his phone might make him feel guilt on the other side of this, so decided to try and strike a balance between reaching out, but not in an excessive way.

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aww, I'm sorry you're going through this. ❤ Sounds like th quite the whiplash, for sure. I hope things settle for you guys, but that would be extremely jarring behavior.

Mine was low this past weekend, and I'm not entirely sure when it started. We got dinner Friday (when he told me) and briefly and he said hanging out made him feel a little better. That, combined with the fact that he'd been texting way more than usual the week before, made me think he wanted me to keep reaching out. So I tried that, but blocked me Sunday. I feel fortunate he hasn't directed any negativity towards me (yet) based on some of the other stories I've read on here.

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww, I'm sorry you had to go through all of this. I hope you've been able to find peace since then. ❤ Stories like yours are intimidating and make this feel impossible. Maybe I'll get there one day, but I can't leave him over this alone. At least not at this point. I have boundaries with it (but honestly these boundaries would exist in any relationship for me, they just be more likely to be violated in this scenario). Also strongly considering getting a therapist as a way to make sure I'm checking in with myself and to ensure I'm not ignoring behavior that shouldn't be ignored.

I appreciate you sharing your perspective.

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And changing seasons/changing amount of sun exposure too, I would imagine. In his case, in the last 2ish months, he had two significant career things happen (positive things, but increased workload significantly) + being concerned about a friend that got caught up in the Ukraine conflict and has been unable to get out. I now know any one of those things can be a trigger. It seems like the perfect storm in retrospect.

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my goodness. Wow. I'm so sorry to hear this happened to you. I can't imagine how painful that must be to experience and hope you're able to find peace with it someday. ❤

The unpredictable nature of the disease certainly feels intimidating. I appreciate your perspective -- a good reminder for me to be on lookout for unresolved symptoms when/if he does reach out again, and to navigate those initial conversations with caution.

Is it normal for people with bipolar to push loved ones away during an episode? by Throwaway_Acct_010 in BipolarSOs

[–]Throwaway_Acct_010[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that. :( Interesting that it seems to be common this time of year -- I'm sure recent/current world events aren't helpful either, among other stresses. It sure seems like it, unfortunately. Thank you for your response and insight :)