Being married to someone with Bi-polar is very tough isn't it?

[needastrongone]

Just that really! I'm feeling pretty flat at the minute.

DH is bi-polar. Been diagnosed 8/9 years. He only started taking medication about 2 years ago, so I've had to deal with a lot of highs and lows (he rapid cycles).

He's in a trough at the minute, although not as unable to function as when he wasn't taking medication. It just manifests itself in never ending negativity. I find this very wearing. Everything he says is negative and everything I say he turns into a negative...

I sometimes wonder if I have the energy to ride out the lows. I feel a bit angry that he's putting us through this again, although I accept this is not rational or fair.

He's a wonderful man, kind, thoughtful, sensitive. I love him very deeply. I just find living with someone with bi-polar very hard at times.

Thank you.

so sorry to hi jack your thread; ive noticed a lot of bi polar posters are on here and partners, please could anyone help me?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/2586861-Please-give-me-some-practical-advice-r-e-dps-relative-with-m-h-issues?

No problem Inneed, hope you can find some help.

Keema I am sorry that you are going through another tough time. You are not nutty, and I have never thought DH is/was, he's ill. He refers to himself that way too though. DSiL suffered with post partum psychosis, and was sectioned, this was about 22 years ago, she ran up massive bills, DBiL used to take it all back the next few days as they lived in a small town and folk knew them I am not sure if we should laugh about that or not tbh! The family do 'get' DH's illness, his father was too, and are incredibly supportive, it's just not 'objective' enough to really open up though.

Thanks also about the Bi-polar support group info, there's a group very close to me that meet regularly. I don't know how to broach this with DH, he will feel incredible guilt I know.

I've also made an appointment to see my GP, I am not sure if I need to, to access support? It's not until the end of the week, as I work.

sneezes You have a lot to deal with, Thanks again for taking the time to post. I already control the finances, if 'control' is the right term. I don't get a massive amount of time alone, no. Tonight, I am by myself for an hour. A glass of red. Relief

I can spot the signs of improvement in DH today, as he rapid cycles, he switches quite quickly. He's calmer, more purposeful, more interested in what we have to say, less introverted. Small subtle signs, but they are there.

Thank you. Posted has really helped.

*posting.

Living with people with mental illness is incredibly tough.

I don't have any words of wisdom, except to offer you sympathy and to ensure that you take care of you too.

Yes, he is ill and he can't help it, but ultimately you deserve to be happy too. There's loads Of bipolar in my family - I've seen it at close quarters. It really takes its toll on those around the sufferer.

I'm married to someone with bipolar. I identify.

We're seperated and I also have my own MH history. My MH is worsened by his when it's at its worst.

It's very rough. It's not always clear if he's a jerk or bipolar depression, or a saint or manic

That's one of the things my GP has said to me in the past, that not every behaviour is related to bi-polar, it can be just bad behaviour. It's incredibly hard to figure that out at times.

I am sorry that you suffer too pigeon