Concern about GF - emotional unbalance?

Hello, I'm new here.



I hope this message is submitted to the appropriate area. I am writing in the hopes that someone better versed in mental health may point me in the right direction - I am attempting find a name for the emotional complex of my girlfriend of two years. While we are for the most part a happy couple, I've come to the conclusion that attempting to ignore this complex is having a negative impact on the relationship,


Her family have a history of bipolar disorder and she was diagnosed with Cyclothymia in her middle teens or there abouts (she is now 19). She was on medication for a few years but stopped taking it due to side effects. Although I am uneducated in matters of psychology, I personally find it hard to believe that she has Cyclothymia; I don't observe any periods of marked depression for example.


However she has an emotional complex of some sort which is sometimes difficult to handle. It would seem to be reliably triggered by certain personal encounters and social situations rather than an alteration between mantic or depressive states. I will try and write a few characterizations:

- Low self-esteem/feelings of inadequecy: Unable to feel secure in relationship irrespective of any assurances/intense and unjustifiable jealousy of other women/reads partners internet logs etc. Incapable of genuine trust.

- Acute sensitivity: Once insulted, unable to move on or let the issue pass even if the original issue is explained as a misunderstanding, for example. Gives vent to hurt feeling by airing angry accusations with little contextual relevance. May be deeply insulted by trivial offences.

- Aggressive directionless arguments: Over and above any particular object, will use arguments or fights as an occasion to aggressively attack a persons actions and character in an effort to gain concessions and commitments. Objections are either attacked or circumvented, often illogically.

*capable, though rarely, of entering states of extreme agitation with muscle tension/shaking, refusal to be touched, dramatic demands. Resists attempts to calm.

- Emotional distress/irrationality : If in a heightened state of emotional distress, unable to gauge intentions of other persons, subtlety of words, or the severity of convictions etc. Displays intense anxiety in the face of unresolved conflict often leading to irrational behavior.

- Intense dependency: Definitively dependent on partner for all emotional and most practical needs.





I realize some of these descriptions may sounds like some of the more emotionally charged women out there. I don't feel it's enough to fit the cyclothymia diagnose. I do feel her very edgy and brittle emotional complex may be the result of some minor imbalance or another. Any suggestions?


Thanks very much.

Hi, jasonh1981! Maybe her emotional vulnerability is part of her depressive states, in this case. We can't tell you for sure what is going on with her. I think the best thing to do would be asking her to see a psych again and maybe ask for a new diagnosis and even better meds. She could just try seeing the psych first and getting a better understanding of what is going on with her, though.
Has she been through anything traumatic, that you know of?
Try posting in the Living with mental illness forum too, it's a busier forum.