How do I tell my husband that I think he maybe bipolar?

Question

I have been researching this for a while, and he fits the profile pretty well. I don't really know how to approach telling him. Can anyone relate?

Answer 1

There isn't really an easy way to tell him, you just have to do it. If his health is being affected and you are not helping him than you are not being a very good wife (in sickness and in health)!

Answer 2

Trust me, if he's bipolar he might already know. I'm a man and I've been bipolar for a while. Where did you get your definition? According to the DSM-IV bipolar people have four stages: manic episode, mixed episode, depressive episode, and semi-manic episode.
Since each person is different (and I am not a psychiatrist) it is difficult for me to tell you exactly what to do. What helps me return to a more stable condition is a stable relationship with another woman. Perhaps what your husband needs is something stable that he can rely on, such as religion.
As for if you should tell him or not - I wouldn't advise it. Part of the reason I havn't dropped off the deep end is because I believe I still have a chance to lead a normal life. If I know people think I'm crazy, that chance pretty much goes out the window.
This is why I suggest you ask a psychiatrist about what your best course of action is.
Feel free to contact me if you want any more information:
[e-mail]

Answer 3

My dad's bipolar so I know how you feel. The problem with bipolar people is that they don't realize anything's wrong with them. They are usually very selfish and sometimes even mean but then they have days when they're the nicest most loving people around. I would pick a day when he is in a good, reasonable mood and just sit down and tell him that you love him for who he is but you think he may have a chemical imbalance and its not his fault but there is help out there for him. Tell him you want the best possible relationship with him and that's why your telling him that. I hope that helps. Best of luck to you!

Answer 4

If hes bipolar then sooner or later his behavior will be so apparent that you will need to intervene before the law does.
If you wait that long, its much better to wait for a calm time and tell him that you are worried and you would like him to see someone for an evaluation, do this during the depressed time, since they like the manic phase so much they won't do anything to stop it.
My ex son in law had this and he ended up committed for a while. The mental health care system in this country stinks so do what you can before he goes totally over the edge.

Answer 5

"Baby, you know how much I love you. I've been concerned about something for a long time. I know that if you recognized that I had a medical issue, that you would love me enough to tell me, and that you would stick by me no matter what. Even though this isn't going to be comfortable for either of us, I love you enough to tell you what I think might be happening. Here's what I think is going on...

Here's why.

Let's work on this TOGETHER.

I have the names and numbers of some professionals on our insurance plan that can help with an assessment, and with treatment if necessary. How about you and I decide together on one, and then start making some calls in the morning...?"

Answer 6

Well, you can tell him what you think and why, but be forewarned, if he isn't ready to hear what you are saying, he could become angry, or sarcastic or downright mean. Most bipolar patients I"ve dealt with, grant you in the grand scheme that isn't many, have to come to the realization of a mental health issue on their own before they will accept the possibility of what it might be.

Answer 7

Read him an article from a magazine about bipolar disease...well, not the whole article, just the highlights about the symptoms.
Then, pause, and look at him all quizzical, and say "Honey, that sounds an awful lot like what you do. Do you suppose.....?"

Answer 8

My sister is very much bipolar. She gets very upset when we tell her this or suggest that she get medication. You just have to do it very carefully and with lots of love. He may flip out, but you need to tell him so that he can get help.

Answer 9

You can always go with him to couple's counseling and mention to the counselor all of the signs that lead to such a diagnosis. Then the counselor will tell him!

These conversations are always touchy.

Answer 10

some people and professionals don't believe in bipolar ism . sometimes the symptoms can be too vague. and its normal to have depression at some point in your life.