bipolar disorder

[dell51]

My wife has been told in the past that she might be bipolar. In the past year or two she has been showing all the sympton on this disorder. When every i try to talk to her about possible treatment she gets very defensive. I have two sons and this situation is greatly affecting our family life. She is hardly ever home anymore and when she is at home she is very disconnected. Help

[monkeyc]

I well understand the place you are at. no doubt my wife would have somethings in common with you as I spent a long time in denial and right now I am disconnected a lot of the time.

The thing is that you can only be supportive and honest with her, this is not easy to do and I can only imagine what it looks like from the other side.  You need to find a way to help her get treatment in a supportive way - no one can force anyone to do it (i have seen it done and its not a good way to approach it).

Ultimately the sad reality is your wife needs to take responsobility for herself, you cant do it for her, your first duty is to look after yourself and the children and try and help here, aside from that there sadly is not much you can do until she is ready to accept help.

Denial of diagnosis is a normal thing, its a part of the 5 stages and acceptance takes time. Hang in there, we are here to help where we can, you are not alone ok.