relationships, dating, symptoms, and solutions

That said, I am fortunate enough that mine is a milder form. I was diagnosed and on meds for 6 years, and did very well through school. Took psychology courses and did research paper after research paper learning everything I could. My fight began by being very educated about symptoms, medications, and other ways of handling the ups and downs.

I came off of meds when my insurance was canceled and I could not afford them any longer. This was not a good way to go, but luckily I had a lot of ammunition, so to speak, and was (unknowingly) prepared to begin to handle things, rationalizing, looking for that one thought that went a little too fast or that one day that I just seemed too tired and immediately responding using compensation techniques even as simple as light therapy to ward off the beginnings of depression. As long as the roller coaster never made it up the hill, or began going down, I didn't have the severity that I had experienced before.

I accomplished some massive goals not on meds, but the whole time I was very focused on my disease and in control and NOT in a relationship. This is where I need help- this is now something I am ready for- I have a home, degree, job, child, and I want a relationship. So I began dating. I found someone I really liked and everything was great. Then it started happening, I became things I was not normally- insecure, jealous, scared he would leave, obsessive, my self esteem began to taper, I was losing myself in him. He didn't like it, but neither did I. I couldn't control my behaviors, it seemed. I was still able to manage "life", although not as well. As he pulled away, I sucked on him like a leech. I managed to get my mind back a little when I allowed him some much needed space, and we decided to break up- looking at it sanely, he was 3 months into the relationship with me and, as far as feelings for me, had none above friendship. Because I had begun to really love him and it was not reciprocated, I felt I deserved better along with the fact that he put me on a bit of a roller coaster too, saying how much he liked me one day and then how he didn't see a future together the next. It was a mutual thing, best for both worlds. But this really got me thinking about BP and relationships and all the chaos in my head through all of it. We all know the signs and symptoms of mania and depression...are there signs that relate specifically to relationships- such as insecurities, leeching, jealousy...what are they and what are some ways to handle them?????

I know many of you will suggest medication. I have accomplished so many things without it, so I am primarily interested in ideas that don't include meds, but will accept all thoughts...

as for you question, I don't think what you are describing is a bipolar thing...since you have been doing so well with out meds. I do not take meds but have had extensive therapy....My son is 25 and has to have meds...he really doesn't date, he goes out with his friends to sports events or the clubs(little drinking just doctor approved). I am happily married but, find I did get a little clingy in the beginning...to make a long story short, in my opinion you might try the talk therapy and see if it helps you....and keep coming back to this site...someone is always here...you can make friends and bounce ideas off of them. Again, welcome.

Find someone close to you that can trust to help keep you on the right path. Someone that can be honest with you about your obsessing... emotional state.

It took a long time but my wife has learned to trust me even when her emotions are telling her something else.

Therapy is an excellent choice. Will help with recognition of that which is out of the ordinary and coping methods for those times.

We are here to talk anytime.

RED

I see you found us. AS you also can see we have alot of wonderful people on this forum.

When, I was not on meds, i was not able to have successful relationships. My current one drastically improved, after, I got help. I have been fortunate to have a man who has been very petient, and supportive. I think if they can't be there, and be supportive, than you are both better off. I have had two partners that couldn't handle it. I finally found someone who can. No matter what happens, you are a person with bipolar. You are successful, and deserve to be treated with respect,bipolar, or not.