My boyfriend was diagnosed Bipolar several years ago before I met him. He had been taking his medication - 300 mg of Lithium Carbonate (3 times a day (900 mg total) up until a year and a half ago when he suddenly decided not to take his medication anymore when he was going through his divorce. His ex wife was always making sure that he took his medicine and would count it as well as threaten to count his medication to see if he was taking it. They fought over this subject many times. He said that he didn't want to take any medicine anymore because he was tired of taking pills. I have never nagged, insisted or threatened for him to take the medicine. He has actually done well without it up until recently when we both began to recreationally use crytal meth from time to time. It seems as though the last two times after using crystal meth his behavior has become worse and dark towards me. Hateful, distant and withdrawn.
How do I react towards this behavior. It hurts when he is angry and hateful with his words towards me and I am always patient and quiet in return. I know that the meth use is not good and it wouldn't bother me to never do it again. He refuses to take his Lithium and I don't know what to do. Can you give me some suggestions?

CleverGirl

Stay off the meth- too many "cooks in the kitchen " for someone who has psychiatric issues... It can be an extra "unbalancing" factor...

Talk to him about his meds and work on a strategy- I have a checklist of signs I need to reconsider my meds (either going back on or switching)- an actual physical checklist because when I'm swingin' I can't figure these things out rationally....

It helps me...Might help him....
Also there is a really great book called the Bi-Polar workbook (I got it from amazon) which has been really helpful for laying out my symptoms and game plans so I could be more "normal" and proactive (I no longer am bipolar...my bipolar was caused by a hormone disruption of huge proportions...)...

It's a hard thing to do and get the patient involved in but you are an awesome girlfriend to care so much!
Best wishes, big hugs,
Bek
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