Well said Kev. I thank my husband all the time for this. Often, when I'm depressed I apologize unnecessarily. This stuff affects him too. One night I told him I wished I could trade places with him and he said that it wasn't easy for him either. He also said he'd take the difficult times because he loved me.

That's awesome that she's has been there for you thru all the craziness bp does to us, and our loved ones.

Good to hear that you're doing soo well. It's great to have such a loving and supportive family. Im lucky, I got that too.

whhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOK0KZw74ogen good song to listen too when depressed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOK0KZw74og sorry please have a listen

You're so right. I was just telling my mate that I ought to be concerned about myself and my own happiness and no depend on him for it. New day.

I thank God every day for my boyfriend of 5 years. He holds it together when I can't, but I know I hurt him, seeing me hurt. When I went to the hospital the second time he did oxycontin which he has been addicted to, but had been clean for several months. He just couldn't take it. I feel bad all the time because I feel like I'm too much for him.

Thank you that song is excellent

I completely agree. My husband has been through so much with me. Two insane hospitalizations, self harm, chopping off all my hair, taking sick leave numerous time which affects our income greatly, moods swinging out of control, OD'ing a few times, etc etc. I think I may have done it all. I feel so bad for him, and yes people seem to think they should be so brave and hold it all together. Well they need some TLC too. I think I should send him on a vacation sometimes but I go crazy without him. I'm not sure he would go. I feel so guilty about him having to live this way too. I just appreciate everything he has done and is doing and tell him that everyday.

Great post and very important.. like all serious illness there are many that suffer on both sides..

Very few normies can - or will - deal with a partner who has BP. The few who do are exceptional and deserve to be treated with awe.

Truer words were never spoken. Poor Allen, my own spouse--Jeez!!

My husband has been pushed away by my actions and words yet he is still here.

My husband and family have been through a lot with me too. Hubby and I separated 6 years ago, and he still wanted to reconcile, although he could not handle me. Our marriage therapist gave him the book "loving someone with bipolar disorder" by Julie A Fast and John D. Preston. It helped him realize that some of the things I did were not to do with him, but the disease.

Things have really improved since then. I also read the book, which helped me to get an "outside" look at myself, and see what my illness was doing, and make some constructive changes to the way I dealt with my symptoms. I would recommend that book for anyone in a marriage relationship.

Well said Kev

Nicely said, Kev!