Hello-
Is there any help or support out there for the family living with someone who is Bi-Polar? We have been living with this for several years now, it was not until the past 18 months have we owned up to the title and diagnosis. It is troubling and at times over whelming. We have five children at home, these episodes prevent them from having friends over to play and us as adults friends in the community. This is not because of offensive behavior but more so due to the isolation that is caused when my husbands life seems to fall apart and he fade into the closed shadows of his mind. He is physically here but not emotionally or interactive with us because of the despair. This time the episode of low is at 5 weeks and counting, I know he will come out of this, but it will immediately shoot into a high state. The high's are great, or at least use to be, but now I am sitting here and looking at all the things, car, boat, collectibles, trinkets, lawn equipment and toys, that were previously bought in a high. This is very sad and at times feel like it is causing me to be down-trodden as well. My oldest is now 13 and is realizing that dad is not sleepy or sick with a cold, but something sad and dark. He asks why do we put up with that? He is right in his question, why do we? I guess it is somewhere between love and fear is where we exist as the reason.
Any points of help or light you can share is greatly appreciated.