Family & Friends of Bipolar Support Group
This community is dedicated to parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives and friends of someone who is Bipolar. The purpose of this community is to help families and friends develop greater patience and understanding, as well as maintain a positive, caring relationships with those diagnosed as Bipolar.
I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. I found my way here as I realized I need support of those who walk in my shoes.
Briefly, my husband is Bipolar. We have been together for 32 years, of which we have been married for 28 years. We have 24 year twin sons.
Our marriage has come to a screeching halt and I have moved out. I no longer can take the whole package that comes with his Bipolar disorder. He won't take his meds and he won't go to counseling. I am not blaming all our marriage woes on him entirely. I know my faults. But the Bipolar has led to so, so, so many problems that are dumped on me. I no longer have the desire to fix the problems since there is a lot of mental, verbal and now physical abuse.
It would help me tremendously to hear what other have been through and to reach out for some much needed support.
Much Thanks.
Briefly, my husband is Bipolar. We have been together for 32 years, of which we have been married for 28 years. We have 24 year twin sons.
Our marriage has come to a screeching halt and I have moved out. I no longer can take the whole package that comes with his Bipolar disorder. He won't take his meds and he won't go to counseling. I am not blaming all our marriage woes on him entirely. I know my faults. But the Bipolar has led to so, so, so many problems that are dumped on me. I no longer have the desire to fix the problems since there is a lot of mental, verbal and now physical abuse.
It would help me tremendously to hear what other have been through and to reach out for some much needed support.
Much Thanks.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Breakups-Divorce/support-group
I know it must be very hard for you right now, after so many years together. But if there has been abuse and he won't take his meds, then you have probably made the right decision. Has he said why he won't take his meds? Just seems strange after all these years, which must be making it even worse for you now. Does he have any interest in saving the marriage? Or are you just feeling basically done with it?
Hugs,
Martha
When out of control episodes set in it's very overwhelming for the loved ones and at the same time the ill person is suffering so it's difficult all the way around.
I have learned that you have to become a brick wall as you have to be strong for yourself and not let the illness weigh you down. Also a brick wall because you have to tell the bipolar loved one "I will not deal with you until you seek help and take medication". You have to say it over and over and stick to it until they realize you're serious and they seek help. It's the only way. It doesn't help to feel sad for them and let them continue being untreated. It helps to feel sad for them and point them in the right direction to help themselves and bring the illness under control.
I hope this helps and feel free to message me.
Four or five years ago, I had a long, serious conversation with her where I explained that she needed help that I could not give her. I told her I would pay for her doctor and hospital bills but if she would not take and manage her medication, I would not pay her living expenses and "babysit" her. She is 28 years old now.
Everyone cannot respond to this approach. But when she realized how serious I was she finished school and now has a good career where she is able to take care of herself and maintain good, stable relationships.
When it gets to be too much I don't blame people for distancing themselves. Sometimes that is the best thing for everyone. Do what you can. Communicate your true feelings and intentions, and mean what you say.
very best,
--EJ
My father is bipolar (pretty much as severe as it gets) and even more than two decades after the initial diagnosis and being re-diagnosed with it over and over again he is still in denial. He is also abusive, has been since I can remember. Now, I try to avoid any form of contact except for when I have to get in contact to keep him away from my little sister.
Having a mental disease is no excuse for being an arsehole.