Bipolar in the family Support Group

Anyway, my partner of 8 years (married 6) was just diagnosed with a "mild" case of bipolar. The MD recently said she doesn't know how to diagnose my partner. What?? I've been feeling so alone and desparate for many years; thinking it's me - I'm too sensitive, etc. So today I typed in "bipolar II or just a jerk" and found this site! I want to thank 4support for your honesty in describing your situation.

I had to take antidepressants and sleeping pills because of all of the stress and anxiety - walking on eggshells all of the time. I'm sorry to say that we've separated but I finally decided that my life is worth more than the pain of living with this person. I don't know how I'm going to organize my life; we have twin 3 year olds and I want to be with them every day. I can't imagine living in different houses and just having 1/2 time. And I'm so mad that my partner caused me so much pain and heartache. So much of what you described sounded like I could have written it. So much anger, hostility, then immediately switching to clinging "I love you." I'm just so pissed off. So many nights I would cry to myself "why do you have to act this way to me?" Why?

I never told anyone about the verbal abuse, the screaming, the irrational accusations. I just thought it was my partner being a jerk. That may still be true. I have to give up on my dream of what I wanted my family to be. I can't make it something it's not. Thank you for having this site, and for the SOs to share their stories. I've been so isolated and so sad. Reading your story, 4support, is so helpful. I'm not alone.

i re-read your post a couple of times, trying to se if your partner is a man or a woman (whether you are the husband or wife)

your situation sounds alot like my own. i am the husband of a BP wife and we too have a 3 year old boy (no twins). i am guessing you too are the man?? (maybe because i figured that if your situation is like ours, then the BP showed up post-partum?) anyways, regardless...

you are not alone, as if that is any consolation....

well, i totally totally relate to your situation. i understand, i totally know what you've been through. i haven't had to take anti-depresants yet but i have had a recent 'panic attack' and problems sleeping.

i too have been constantly baggered and berated and generally abused. the irrational rediculous arguments....oh are they just GREAT eh? oooh, i love those. (sarcasm) it is like banging your head against the wall trying to reason with them if they are in a 'mood'. I'll save you some time by telling you what others will concur, don't bother EVEN thinking about arguing with her/him.

i have a longing to encourage you to somehow stick it out with him/her. for my wife, it gets better if she takes lithium... she is herself again. We had alot of troubles initially but once the meds were straight, it was good again.

(now, truth be told, we have recently had a bit of trouble again cause she is pregnant and was off her meds but...aside from that, it is generally ok.)

is it too late to fix things as far as your relationship?

anyway, i would offer to stand by you as your invisible friend and try and help you through the worst of it. AND i know there are alot others on here who would do the same. You can do it!