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.

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How to best support a bipolar partner

Bipolarspouse
Bipolarspouse

After 2 years of marriage and having a son, my spouse is diagnosed with BPAD. Acceptance of situation isn't there and not ready to take treatment or medicines. I've been trying since 1 year to make my spouse understand the condition, but no success. The hyper episodes are difficult and always ends with some unfortunate accidents. How to best support this situation as a spouse and parenting partner?

Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Can you get her to go back to her doctor and have a joint appt?

If you can I would write down everything that you've seen and what you've both been going through in a supportive way

Big hug... I know these days aren't easy .... xo
Bipolarspouse
Bipolarspouse
It's my husband who's going through the condition. And yes, I've tried discussing the ways he behaved in a calm way infront of the doctor, but he either denied doing them or finds an explanation why he did that way - which the doctor and I can clearly understand unreasonable, but not him. I've tried 3 or 4 doctors to finally find someone whom he was very happy to go see, but he discontinues follow up visits. Now it's another maniac time and he took off on a bike to a destination about 700kms away, got lost on the way, lost his phone, bike and other belongings. He managed to call me from someone's phone and with police support, we got him admitted to hospital now. It's his recovery period now, mostly medicine and sleep. He will get over this episode only to stay calm for about a month or two and then it occurs again, since he won't take medicine at home. It's hard to watch these happening in a cycle and am not able to get him out of it.
mlr0853
mlr0853
Glad you found your way here...again, I'm not too sure how busy/responses are in this group.

I know, you've said you love your husband, and life must be very challenging and wonderful at the same time with your 5 month baby...such a fun time!!! I think Acuriousfish idea about NAMI group is good, people in person along with a lot of info! Suncloud is a Wonderful Woman, she is a former psy nurse...take good care :) I'm on this board so if you write here I can offer info :), mainly from my own life with bp.
Dani1960
Dani1960
We cannot convince someone of a diagnosis or the need for care. Denial is a factor. And the person needing help can blame others. I hope you focus on you and your children.
User_273
User_273
I have a family member who also refuses treatment and medications. I would suggest validating their concerns and feelings and then going to a doctors appointment with them. Tell them you will be there every step of the way to ensure that they are cared for and that they will get the help that they need.
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