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.
Hello everyone, this is my first time to a depression board, I am at the end of my rope with my husband and really looking to get some support to try to make it through this with a marriage.
We have been together for almost 15 years, and I have always known he was somewhat depressed, but thought we all get that way...Well he's hit a whole new level now, I am constantly going downstairs to see if he has committed suicide, if he's drinking, just what he's doing in general, because I am worried one day he won't be alive. I am at the end of my mental state to care for him. I just want to hand someone else the chore for a while, I know there is no one else, but man would it be nice to not have to do this for a bit.
He has promised to call and get some counselling and hopefully they will diagnose him soon and get him on some meds, how long does this take? How long until he gets better? I am not looking for a quick fix, but I do want to know how long I have to sleep with one eye open.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated, please help me to get through this with my marriage, and the man I love.
K.
We have been together for almost 15 years, and I have always known he was somewhat depressed, but thought we all get that way...Well he's hit a whole new level now, I am constantly going downstairs to see if he has committed suicide, if he's drinking, just what he's doing in general, because I am worried one day he won't be alive. I am at the end of my mental state to care for him. I just want to hand someone else the chore for a while, I know there is no one else, but man would it be nice to not have to do this for a bit.
He has promised to call and get some counselling and hopefully they will diagnose him soon and get him on some meds, how long does this take? How long until he gets better? I am not looking for a quick fix, but I do want to know how long I have to sleep with one eye open.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated, please help me to get through this with my marriage, and the man I love.
K.
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Med's can take anywhere from 4 t 6 weeks to get completely in the system.
Counseling also takes time but can start helping within 2-6 weeks depending on how cooperative the person is and how willing they are to do a personal evaluation of themselves.
I recommend though that if meds are needed that counseling also be done as I have found this is usually when my son is at his best. They have to find ways of personally dealing with whatever is going on with them, and counseling can help with that.
Often we develop coping skills to get through the unbearable, but sometimes those coping mechanisms just enable or perpetuate the problems. With both people getting help, that cycle can change for the better of everyone.
Start making calls now, rather than waiting until a crisis, because it can take 2,3,4 weeks for an appoinment sometimes, then the time for meds to take effect, etc.
Also, its a good idea to check what is covered by your insurance.
It can get better!
Would he be willing to accept help from his parents or siblings as well? That may help you with keeping an eye on him and enable you to form a solid safety net for him.
When you've expended so much of yourself for someone and feeling yourself buckling under the pressure you can feel emotionally detached from them. You'll want it to be over with and question your love for them. Make sure to reaffirm your love for them TO them. :)
You can do this, as long as he is trying to get help you can do this. This place is here for you too! Come and vent anytime.
Also consider getting counseling for yourself as well! It can really help to get advice from a pro when you're having to be a pillar of support for someone who is BP.
It all came to an ugly blow on his birthday on the 15th, his Mom knows, and his sisters now know what has been going on. They live 8 and 9 hours away, so it was easy for us to hide. I am glad it's out in the open and I can have his Mom call to check on him, and make sure he is alright.
His brother committed suicide in 2002, so I have a really hard time with him NOT knowing what it does to a family...But I will continue to tell him how much I love him, and how much I need him.
Thank you for this place...I am sure it's going to come in handy over the next months, maybe years.
I went home last night and he had shaved his head. I just never know what to expect and I guess if that's the worst he does for now, then, so be it...
Thank you all for your replies, it really helps to have someplace I can come to and be completely honest about my feelings. I love him so much...but sometimes it just gets so tiring taking care of him.