bipolar hubby and his unsupportive family

His mother is understanding, but not supportive in a literal way because she is very selfish and lazy. But then there is the younger brother who is basically my husband's best friend. He doesn't believe that bipolar disorder exists, basically thinks that medications are evil and they are making everything worse. Funny thing is that he himself has been diagnosed with Bipolar I but he refuses to believe it. Because bipolar disorder doesnt exist!

Well this sort of thinking is extremely hurtful to my husband. Because he already beats himself up every day for being, in his words, a loser, failure, and worthless. He still thinks that he should be able to pick himself up out of this severe depression. So last night my brother in law was over and you could tell my husband was very depressed. So my brother in law tells him that he is sick of hearing about how he is going to commit suicide and hes sick of hearing about depression all the time. He says he doesn't even want to come over anymore because of this. When I heard later that he said these things it made me furious. Because I know he just DOESNT GET IT!!!! We have tried and tried to explain to him the reality of the situation but he thinks he is right all the time. He is right all the time, period. So now I feel like I should talk to him since I can deal with it, but I don't know what to say. What I want to say would hardly be helpful.

Any advice??

Post edited by: pyrogirl00, at: 06/07/2008 11:32

Problem 1 is telling off the Bro in law. It will just reinforce the denial and cause the riff to grow, as I am sure it would with the rest of the family. I know that it probably isn't going to come off sounding right but: I limited my wifes exposure to her family, they were causing more harm than good. I did not deny my wife seeing her family, just limited it and ran interference.

I can't tell you at this point with my wifes family if they are still in denial or not, I know it lurks just under the surface. The important thing is that they are no longer putting obstacles in the way.

Does he see a therapist? Do you see a therapist (counselor)? If either is yes, call and explain the situation and ask what they think the best course of action would be.

Do what your heart tells you is the right thing to do. They may make it rough but stand by your actions, your & your husbands health are the priority. They will just have to deal with their own struggles themselves.

GOD BLESS

RED

Another thing that would help if he went to the hospital - the doctor might be able to talk to his family. I know that my families take doctors more seriously then they do me. Actually, they take a pharmasist more seriously then anyone. LOL! They're not right at all. Just some ideas.

I also must deal with my husband's unsupportive family. They really don't get it. Last time I had them over (last August), my father-in-law made some comments that made my husband feel very badly about himself. Within a week, he was severely depressed. It might have happened anyway, but I'm sure it didn't help. They don't understand. I try to limit exposure to them, which I feel badly about, but almost feel that I must protect him from them.

Anyway I have almost taken my husband to the hospital 2 times in the past month and a half. We just recently got a new doctor after over 2 years of failed medications. Anyway thanks for your responses.