Do Bipolar individuals....?

its an interesting question and one I hope from my experience with the disorder I can answer. Before I was diagnosed I was very unaware of what was happening to me, I really did think that everyone felt like i did, i never questioned the ups and downs. With my mania I seem to forgot alot of what goes on to be honest. Its like its a fog. The lows I definately remember. In 2002 I was finally diagnosed with BP and for many years I fought it and hated it. But I also did a lot of reading up on it and got myself the help i needed. Since 2002 I've had my moments and been hospitalized mainly because we did not find the right combo of med. 4 or 5 years ago we discovered an injection Respidol that is administered every two weeks. Its been a god send truly. Ive been very stable since then and I am doing really well. Looking back oh yeah my feelings and thoughts were justified, I had a very understanding partner at the time and would lovingly sit me down and explain how i was behaving. I am not saying for him not to take responsiblity for his actions or how he expresses himself at times, but you have to be aware thats its the disorder not him when he is ill. It is extremely hard on a spouse or partner to watch or deal with BP, but hang in there and encourage him to read as much as he can about it. He has to understand his triggers and understand the signs of going into an episode. Im 45 and have learnt the signs and signals of an episode either mania or depression and I take action as quick as i can. I see your bf is 17 and he has a lot of growing to do and hopeful he will learn alot quicker than i did. Best of luck to both of you!