Bi Polar? Can anyone give insight as to how it feels to be married to a person who is Bi Polar?

Question

How do you cope? How does it make you feel? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheOpenDoorForsupport/

Answer 2

I am married to someone who I believe is bipolar. I have gone to seek the advice of a therapist and she is 90% he is having a manic episode. Until now, he has only been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder.
We have had a wonderful marriage, but last week, I came home from a short trip with my parents and he was gone. GONE...every single belonging of his from the house, the attic, the storage shed, the garage was gone. He left nothing but a long robotic, non-emotional letter and his wedding ring. He said that I have been a wonderful wife and companion and that this is not about me, it's about him. He said he just doesn't want to be in a marriage anymore. He said he doesn't want to be a lawyer now (he graduated from law school this summer). He doesn't want to live here in our state anymore. He doesn't want children now. He basically has flipped everything in his life and has left. He has enrolled back in school this semester, to get his master's in therapy.
This has been DEVASTATING and shocking for me, our families and our friends. No one saw this coming. Had I known that he might possibly have bipolar, I probably would have known to look for triggers and symptoms. In this case, I believe the triggers were graduating from law school, looking for a job and being rejected, having a deep sense that he wanted to do therapy instead of law and worrying about disappointing the family. The symptoms have been a very flat attitude by him all summer, a loss of interest in his regular hobbies, lying, a sudden trip that he took, impulsive and expensive decision-making, mishandling money and not paying bills, as he regularly does. In general, my husband is a very conscientous, responsible, honest and loving person. But not this summer.
Also, I have been discussing children a lot more this summer, as we are nearing the age we had dedicated as "family-starting" age.
Sorry for the book. But this is probably the hardest thing I have ever been through. To have your sweet, loving husband for two years and then come home and find he has left you in such a way - well, there really isn't much of a way to cope, but to study up on bipolar as much as possible and pray. At least that works for me. I talk to friends and I am trying not to take this personally. As far as I know, this is the second episode he has had since we have been together. I am learning that you have to be the strong one in this situation. I just worry how much one person can take. Good luck.

Answer 3

My boyfriend of 9 years is Bipolar. About twice a year he goes completely insane, jumping up and down, yelling and screaming at the world, laughing uncontrollably, verbally abusing me, etc. He tells tall tales about how he influences millions of people. He doesn't sleep and he cries uncontrollably.

This goes on for about 2 to 3 weeks before he cycles down to a deep depression. Then he is sorry and ashamed of the things he said and did. His friends avoid him at all cost.

This makes it difficult for us to have mutual friends. I cope with his episodes by remaining as quiet as possible. I go to a hotel for a couple days due to the verbal abuse.

I once locked myself in the bathroom to get away from him and put a pillow over my head. He took the bathroom door off and scolded me for not listening to him.

He takes medication but like I said about twice a year it doesn't do any good.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Bi-polar is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It can make one very moody or uptight. If you are living with a person with bi-polar it's a good idea to be patient and to talk calmly with this person. Things in everyday life will contribute to mood swings are sugar, high fructose corn syrup - stay away from it. When the person in question begins to show signs of withdrawal, encourage them to talk; not neccessarily about how they feel but about anything they want. Be polite and complimenting. You don't have to kiss up but just be calm and nice. Red meat contributes to bi-polar and the lack of proper rest. Try meditation and learn, both of you, learn to meditate and pray together. Peace and blessings.

Answer 5

my cousin was diagnosed with bipolar and all she seemed to do was slep and had a strong sex drive. her relationship eventually ended because she realized he was the source behind her illness. if you are the one in this situation i wish you well and do research. before my son died i researched and found answers there. good luck and may God bless you with strength and grace.

Answer 6

No problem if he stays on his medication. Terrific mood swings if he doesn't.