Can bipolar people hide manic episode from others?

Now she is isolating herself and wants me to give her some space - which I am struggling with because I worry about her too.

But at the same time she can function at work normally and go out to social dos and no-one is none the wiser re what she is actually going through.

Is this normal for someone with bipolar to stil be able to present this 'front' as such?

Thanks Scott

As someone involved in my life full time 24/7 my husband has seen all sides of me, and has learned to recognise when I am going into a panic attack or a bitchy mood, panic's he gets me out of where ever we are, bitchy? he brings me chocolate and stays out of arms reach.

She might not really be able to function normally at work or play, she might like me be on auto pilot that looks a lot like normal. For those that are bipolar one's, I would have to say it is a lot tougher for them, trying to hide the mania's. If your g/f is BP 1, and not on meds and therapy, it's only going to be a matter of time, before her world comes crashing down around her ears.

Give her a little space, while keeping a close eye on her if you believe that she could be a danger to herself, and when she is in a more receptive mood, try talking with her about this.

Good Luck

Carmen

I could and did do it for years.

I had a career in the USAF. I was so perfect I walked on water, wrote my own performance reports for signatures, even wrote my own awards and decorations, too. I could do anything, but the cost was high. I would come home and crash. I'd hide for days withdrawing from life and family. I could crank it up again when it was necessary to put on a face for church, social events, or work.

It is a sad thing this mania in the workplace and social areas. It's encouraged as outstanding performance and is expected by supervisors and others once it becomes the 'norm' at work. We live in a performance society.

I hope you can find peace and rewards someday with your loved one.

Hug!

After having episodes,I would feel embarassed,and go through a depression, and sometimes become suicidal. I was able to hide it for years, too.

I am bipolar 1 and it seemed harder to hide it in relationships.

I am so glad I got help. It is so nice to not have to suffer any more.

Thanks, Gypsy

but when I get alone is when I look at myself and go through the hard times

and sometimes I am so good I fool myself and think Iam fine.

but it dont take long and I go through a depression or manic time.

lately I have felt very moody I could snap and tear a dolls head off.

the thoughts race through my head, and I woory about everthing knowing I cant fix everthing.all I can say if you care for her have patances and

when she wants to talk listen my husband has delt with alot from me and we

have been together 22 years married 17 and there somtimes when he dont understand everthing but he tries.

This is a serious illness, and can be very dangerous to ourselves, and the people around us. I tried hiding my illness for years, and meanwhile destroying my life, and putting my kids through hell.

I have hurt my family, and have fought my way out of relationships, and ran from everything in my life. I was very violent, and adventurous at the same time.

I ended up wanting to off myself for the benefit of others. I was tired of coping with this illness. I lived in my own mentally ill little world of depression, and torment.

I am sorry you had to watch your dad suffer. I had to watch my own dad suffer, too. He also treated others like s**t in the meantime.

I became just like him. I am the lucky one in my family, that has gotten the help, I needed to. It is a blessing to have an answer to my problem, and to not have to suffer, anymore.

Since, I have been on meds, and in therapy, my life has been crisis free. I can function better as a human being ,not a walking time bomb ready to crack. My home life is the most peaceful it has ever been.

I also have that voice that says I am fine. I think, I am doing okay and then it all comes back to remind me, that, I still have this thing.

So, I too, hope that everyone else, that is suffering can find the peace, and relief from their suffering, just as some of us have.

You don't have to live like that anymore, if you don't want to.

So, thanks alot, and Godbless, Gypsy