Bipolar Spouse

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.

[Honor60]

I have bipolar disorder and get horrible dark depressions. It is horrible for him too, trust me. There are some new medications for this condition specifically that might bring your husband back to his old self. They worked for me. An Internist or Osteopath can order them if you bare as much
Against going to a psychiatrist as I am.  Remember..it is a medical problem.

[Xila31]

You may want to check out the DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance,) and NAMI for support. NAMI especially focuses on support for friends and family of people with bipolar. Although your husband may be in treatment, your family needs support too as caregivers.

If your husband is not in treatment he should see a psychiatrist and a psychologist/therapist to get on the right track. Medication as well as cognitive therapy is helpful.

[Punkinhead75]

I suggest professional help along with some type of medication.  My wife is bi-polar and on meds and is doing much better.  The hard part for me was not being as effected by her swings.  I used to get a great deal of anxiety.  I got some help and do much better.  I have learned not to live my life based on her moods.  Today I have friends although I usually will go out to them.   Basically I decided not to let her moods get me down.  Anyway, we used to do group therapy where I met people in the same situation.  We stayed in touch for bit and it helped.  Haven't talked to them in a long time now.  Good Luck!!!!

[tekmanmike]

mdjunction.com has a very good  spouses dealing with bipolar support groups, dealing with bipolar children support groups. Everything you can think of-go there, you wont regret it.