Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

8,884 Members

129,557 Posts

2 Online

MageMichael 04/20/2011

Seems I should be able to count on my spouse for help with my BP but during my latest episode she was no help at all. I was pychotic and catatonic. Her idea is to yell at me the next day for being catatonic, sorry but I had no fucking idea what was going on. I asked her to take me to the hospital the next time I'm annoyingly catatonic. WTF. I thought she understood that I had a rather serious mental illness but apparently she doesn't get it. Then I'm reminded that in order to get it you have to experience it otherwise there's just know understanding it. Okay well I've vented so I feel better. But shouldn't my spouse be more helpful?

deleted_user 04/20/2011

Wow. It sounds like you were seriously sick. I don't know why your wife didn't take you to the hospital then. Maybe she just didn't know what was going on at the time?

My husband really tries to get it, but I think what you said hits the nail on the head - it's not something understood unless it's experienced.

dancingd 04/20/2011

Ahh Yeah , I think so.

You and she (if you haven't already ) should sit down and discuss BP issues...such as symptoms that need to be handled by getting you to a Hospital....and less severe symptoms that maybe all you need is an anti anxiety med.?

She needs to come to terms with, she is along for this ride also...not just you alone

dancingd 04/20/2011

Like the others said...a non BP person, isn't always going to GET IT about our BP...but at least a spouse should be there for support, and to intervene if professional help is needed

deleted_user 04/20/2011

Sometimes you can say or do things when you are ill that do cut deep. Even when dating patients they will not think as you do. So support is not always as you want it or what you need at the time. It is also harder to offer support if you are emotionally involved with someone then say a Pdoc who just has most of the answers.
ultimately this is something you can bring up to your partner for the
future.Sorry your having a rough time of it of late Wish you the best.

deleted_user 04/20/2011

My wife is somehow getting some understanding of my disorder but I know she really has no clue. She has yet to see me being psychotic manic. She has always been asleep and with the exception of hypersex I let her sleep for the work she has to do the next day.

In this case, luckily, I am a hyper rapid cycler. All I need is a little sleep.

deleted_user 04/20/2011

My husband I think just wants to pretend there is nothing wrong with me even though he knows I have BP. He ignores all the episodes of depressions and mania and I guess I don't blame him. It can't be easy for him, but I do wish he understood a little more about what I go through. I doubt he would take me to the hospital, either, just because our friends might find out.

Join the Conversation