Husband with Bipolar disorder..need advice on how to cope

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Hi,

My husband was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder back in October 2005. His meds finally started working in late November, early December. For the past two days he has been experiencing major anxiety, missed two days of work, and has been irritable as well. I am trying to schedule a dr. appt. for him-they are same day appts. so you have to call in early. Anyway, I am scared that it will become full blown again like it was in October--very manic. I have been educating myself on the disorder, but I feel like running away from it all. I am very strong willed, but have been through a lot with him, including alcoholism, and have had to deal with that all my life, my dad, my ex-fiance,etc.. I just want to give up sometimes. I don't know how to cope...anyone have any advice?

Jen:scrying:

not an imaginary friend. if you do not have an open mind to things that are beyond your comprehension you should not discourage others from seeking those roads

i'm not discouraging anything.

my mom is a devout christian, and i do nothing to talk her out of it.

it really does enrich her life, i have seen it. but in my opinion, it's just magical thinking.

and your latest post brings up a point: very religious people seem to be the ones with the closed minds and do not comprehend how important others' beliefs are to them.

you don't see wars over creamy or chunky peanut butter, but people have been killing each other for many millenia over religious beliefs.

my original post on this was a slam on the poster that was discouraging someone from seeking recognized medical care, which in my opinion violates the tos as much as my x'd out comments by admin.

anyway, i'm not trying to change anyone's mind about religion, that's as easy as herding cats.

all i'm saying is that if someone or their loved one has bipolar, sure, pray if you'd like, but get to the doctor right away.

sorry if i offended anyone, that is not my intent.

-k

Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

For the record, I completely agree with kframe. Religion is a very personal thing. And futurenurse *actually* said that jesus could "cure" her husband. I personally feel, that if this is not a place to give medical or legal advice , then touting religion to others as a cure for diseases should be equally banned. I mean, some people might actually be offended by it, and it really doesnt belong here. For instance, person of jewish faith might take great offense about a post claming only jesus could cure the sick. Does anyone get what I am saying? I just dont think anybody should be promoting religion of any kind here. And, believe me, I very much *comprehend* the religion being referred to in futurenurses post. Futurenurse, I am i no way targeting you and insinuating you meant any harm. I know you did not. I just dont believe religion should be brought into a forum like this. MODERATORS?????????????????????

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

Here's a good website to get you started talking to others in your situation...

http://www.nami.org/

Good luck.

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

Honestly, I don't consider advocating trusting Jesus to solve all one's problems is any more realistic than Tom Cruise's rant against antidepressants was. Yes, prayer and faith have their place, and for many people, they play a significant role. But let's face facts here; if Jesus is the whole answer, then why is there a problem in the first place?

General overview from my experience.

depakote = wonderful

antidepressants = more manic rage and even possible suicide attempts.

dont address drug or alcohol use until proper meds are established

Never say calm down just listen and dont get sucked in no matter what they say, I love you or a hug Can and does go along way if timed right.

A manic episode can start from something you cant even comprehend and may not be from today or even something you did.

Being the spouse of a Bi-Polar person you really have to arm yourself. No matter how emotionally strong you are if you don't understand what is really happening your gonna lose.

Reading blogs posted by bipolar people are way more insightful than the normal medical definition with symptoms

http://www.healthdiaries.com/mentalhealth/bipolar/rollercoaster/

"The propblem with this illness is it makes you feel good, so good that you often forget you were recently feeling bad. When I feel better, I usually can't remember how bad I felt, or how long ago it was, even if it was just yesterday. I know it's often like this for others."

http://mercurialmindbipolarblog.blogspot.com/2007/03/deep-emotion.html

"There are emotions, then there are "emotions". When I'm happy, sad or angry I'm fine, but when its a bipolar happy, sad or angry its a different story. The emotions cut deeply. I can no longer just feel the emotion and process. I become of the emotion. The boundaries of feelings and being become very hazy. I try to feel, process and release, but when the emotions are the bipolar ones they are so inseperable from my sense of being that ending my life becomes the only way my mind can understand releasing them."

I know there are better blogs I just cant remember them at the moment.

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