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[quote=Anonymous]I am the ex of a bipolar spouse.  My DC has developed issues that relate to bipolar.  I can see both sides of previous PPs -- both the ableist view and the run far away view.

Bipolar depression has a very wide range.  BP Type 1 often includes extreme mania, delusion or paranoia that can wreck lives if untreated or self-medicated thru substance abuse.  BP 2 is a more mild form with hypomania and depression.

My ex has BP 2 and is highly functional -- employed, successful, if not always a smooth work life.  At home hypomania and depression, untreated and incorrectly treated, wrecked our life to such an extent that the marriage could not be saved.

Now, after getting properly diagnosed and on the right medication combination, life is much better for him.

His mother was diagnosed BP late in life.  Sadly, a life of untreated BP led her to substance abuse.  She was lucky to have a husband that stayed with her and cared for her, but it was a difficult situation and cost her DH a lot, both financially and emotionally and in terms of his own lost personal opportunities.

My DC is also on the bipolar spectrum.  An absolutely wonderful and extremely bright kid.  Very easy kid to raise.  So far, DC's issues can be managed without medication but with other forms of therapy.  I am hopeful that DC will have a very successful normal life, having had access to early treatment, lots of education about MI and lots of support in staying away from substance use/abuse and establishing regular sleep/eat/social habits.

Here are some resources - NAMI Family to Family class, bpso.org website and listserv, NAMI support groups for family members, books by Kay Redfield Jamison, Francis Mondimore, David Miklowitz, Ellen Liebenluft and Xavier Amador[/quote]

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