What effect does negativity have on your Bipolar?

When there is a lot of negativity in your home, does anyone find that it makes their symtoms (symptoms) worse? Do you feel like you just can't live with the Bipolar anymore or do you need to go and live alone. I read in BP Magazine that a lady has decided in her wellness program she's not ready to be in a relationship for various reasons. I'm starting to feel that way too as I see my mood decline.
I'm afraid because I was doing so well until this negaivity because an issue over the past 2 weeks. Having a souse who doesn't understand all the " triggers" of bipolar disorder has not helped my situation at all.
Hass anyone experience a similar situation?

[RubyShooz]

Yes, you are right!  I find my bp symptoms are magnified by any emotions, good or bad, that I am feeling in my life and my surroundings and the people in my life.  If my surroundings radiate good vibes, then I am in a much better mood.  If my surroundings are full of negativity, misunderstanding, chaos, or whatever -- then those feelings are magnified a hundred-fold by by bp. It's like bp is always there, trying to take over my life.  
A wise person on this forum, I believe it was btsmith, recently wrote that we cannot be defined by bipolar, we cannot let bp become who we are -- or else it wins.  We have to develop an identity separate from bp -- we are more than just our bp.

I, too, have a live-in boyfriend who does not understand my bp at all -- he tries to make light of it, laugh at my symptoms, or simply just walk away from me with a bad attitude, making me feel un-loved and un-worthy.  I guess he just doesn't know how to deal with it except through humor, or simply ignoring me.  That's how most of my friends and family are.

I can't offer you any advice on how to deal with this -- just know that you are not alone.  Come to this forum when you need encouragement and support.  I find talking to others here makes a big, positive difference in my life.

[triedeverymed]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with little support. I know what I need to do an perhaps being alone is the answer for now. My well being comes first in my life and if that means I have to loose a relationship because of it, so be it.
Thanks for the support!!

[determined2beatit]

I too know exactly what you mean about relationships! That's why I live alone. Tired of people having major flaws and blaming everything on my bipolar. Can't seem to find anyone that doesn't ultimately turn it around and blame me. People ask me why I'm not in a relationship..I've had it!
It's sad to live this way but on the other hand I find it's better for me to date and not get too involved with one person. At least my home enviornment is mine and I have a place to resort to. I doubt you'll find anyone that really understands Bipolar.If you do consider yourself lucky and hang on tho them.
Stress will make emotions worse but unfortunately life is not stress free. That's why in the area of relationships I got to the point where I just stay single. It's one less major stressor in my life.

[triedeverymed]

This is exactly what I've been reading, even from people who have gotten well, thay will not subject themselves to a relationship until they are certain that person can be understanding. I think I know what I have to do, he is seeing a counselor again today but he saw her before and things only changed for a few months.

[determined2beatit]

I Know it's sad isn't it? But you have to protect yourself because some people can actually feed off the bipolar and it's not healthy for us. As lonely as I get sometimes, I also have peace and the ability to control  who and when I feel like dating.
I think we do this as a protective defense.  I've had men know exactly how to push my buttons knowing fully well I was bipolar! As much as they said they understood, they knew how to manipulate me because of my emotions. Very unhealthy!!!
I'm benched for a long while to give myself a lot of much needed space!.

[triedeverymed]

You are doing exactly what I have read you should do. Pick and chose who you want to be with and what and who works with your Bipolar. I am learning the same thing now. Luckily I don't mind being alone, I'm almost happier that way. I have a great little boy who is the love of my life!!

[bernie40]

This has certainly hit a chord with me.  I refer to myself as chameleon like because other peoples moods impact on mine in far bigger a way than most other people.  I often feel like running away so that I can live alone but I know that the guilt of leaving my children and husband would be even worse than hanging in here and trying to cope with 5 other peoples personalities and moods.  My husband is very supportive but of course it does sometimes get too much for him putting up with my ever changing moods and that of 4 children.  As for the children they are still too young to really understand, my eldest who is nearly 14 doesn't understand why I can't hold down a job and gets disappointed with me which in turn makes me feel like I'm failing him in trying to teach him the right way to live, because I don't work he doesn't see why he should when he leaves school, my husband works part-time because he needs to be here for me and the children so it is a vicious circle.

I do remain positive though that eventually the right medication will be found and I will be able to return to work and live a "normal" life - by "normal" I mean the life that the rest of society thinks we should live, but now I am getting philosophical.

Helen

[determined2beatit]

You're right! Being alone isn't so bad. I think it's a big step for us to get to the point where we can honestly say we have had enough! It's not our faults and choose how we live our life. That's very empowering and in a way it has given me strenght after all these years of trying and blaming myself! I'm glad you have your little boy, I too have two children and they are my life! They love me despite everything, the ones that stand by my side and you know what? I've decided that to be a good Mom I have to be happy with myself first and give back to them what they have and they have always been there for me. My kids are teenagers and they want me to be happy in a relationship but now I finally got to a point in my life that I realize I complete myself and am enjoying the power of Choosing when and if I want to open myself up to a relationship ever again! The Lord is good that he blesses us with wonderful children to Love and be loved by. You sound like you got it together, enjoy your son and your free space!
Linda :)