Hey @Dash01, thank you for sharing your experiences with the community!
It sounds like you have been dealing with a lot caring for your partner for 4 years with their bipolar. You are demonstrating your strength and resilience in reaching out to your peers on the Forums. It is very brave to be vulnerable and ask for support.
I'm pleased to hear that you are thinking about your self-care as it's really important to take care of yourself. Have you heard of Carers NSW Homepage | Carers NSW? They may be able to provide you with some support and there's the Carer Payment from Centrelink if you are eligible, Carer Payment - Services Australia.
Also, there is a bipolar carers support group that meets online once a month that may interest you Bipolar Carers Support Group (mhfa.org.au).
I'm curious what self-care do you practice at the moment? Sometimes we do self-care and don't realise it, or we can implement it into our daily routine.
Thanks again for sharing your experiences with your peers!
Take care
RiverSeal
