Hi,

i have been seeing a psychiatrist for over a year now. My boyfriend of 10
years I believe and so does my psychiatrist that he is bipolar. My boyfriend realizes that something is wrong with him but will not get help.
We are not together as of today. We broke up over a month ago. The reasons he gives for us braking up never make any sense. For example this last time I wanted to go out on a particular friday night. We don't generally go out on friday. He enjoys staying at the garage where he works and having a few beers with the guys. I understand that and never get upset about it but this particular friday night I was hurt that the one time I asked him to go out he chose to stay at the garage instead. He called later that evening and said he felt bad, usually I would say don't worry about it it's no big deal. This time I was angry and I said if your calling looking for me to say it is ok i'm not it's not ok, I told him I don't ask very often and the response that I got disappointed me and hurt me, he hung up abruptly. I did not hear from him for 5 days. Finally on the 5th day I called him. As soon as he answered I knew it was a mistake,
he was so nasty. When he is in that mood he is so nasty to me. He told me our relationship was going no where and that I did not have time for him. He also said that he kisses my ass all the time. (i wish he did) and that he did not miss talking or seeing me for the 5 days that we did not speak. This is what he does everytime. Says nasty hurtful things. Then when he calls 1,2 or 3 months later he either says he never said those things or he did'nt mean them, etc. Etc. Alls I can say is that when he loves me he loves me and I can see it in his eyes and feel it in his touch.
But when he gets in the other mode he treats me like he hates me. I ask myself how can I love this man. Its because I see the man I fell in love with he's in there, he shows himself. Then he turns into this mean person.
Its almost like he has to be mean to walk away or make things up to walk away. What do I do, I want to fix things but I know I can't how can I convince him to get help. Please help me I love this man. And I know he loves me. This has been going on for so long, and each year it becomes more frequent.

Is there anyone out there that has gone through similar experiences in a relationship with someone who is bipolar. Please respond with advise.
This time I will not go back with him unless he see's a proffesional, gets on medication. I told him this, and my bigest fear is that I will loose him because of the ultimatum.