How to cope w/husband in untreated mania

Post edited by: sadme, at: 06/13/2008 12:48

I am lucky that my husband has and still does seek treatment for his BP. But like you, I have had to learn how to cope with his sickness and how to keep my self and children strong. We have our good and bad days, weeks and months, but as a family we are still going strong.

I only have good internet access M--F, 7:30 a.m.--4:30 p.m. The rest is a gift from my old computer at home.

calling the police was the right thing to do considering the circumstances. don't feel bad, he could've hurt you and it really was a smart thing to do. he will forgive you when he looks back from a better point of view. don't beat yourself up about it anymore. he should know that doing that is not an option. i speak from experience.

what to do... alot of that depends on him and what he is willing to do. you can only help him if he'll move toward that himself. he probably needs a good p-doc who can give a proper diagnosis and treatment. something to look at is side-effects of any drugs he is taking. is it possible that something he is taking could exasperate his mood into a rage, or is it stricly a phase of a bipolar moodswing?

it is hard for people when they are labeled with BP (or any other label for that matter) and it takes time for someone to admit that and come to grips with it. then, some choose to try and deal with it, some try and run from it. but either way, one could try and understand why they might choose to run, as i say it isn't exactly a 'fun' thing to see in the mirror (so to speak).

fortunately, there are quite a few good examples out there of people coping quite well. you miight have to search around, but there are probably a few near you. (look for a local support group, hopefully peer-run... ours was a life-saver) also, there are some inspirational 'famous people' stories, try googling and you can find some.

perhaps this will be a wakeup call for him to get some help.

take deep breaths. you will get through this.

people here will help you in anyway they can.

Plugginalong-my husband is not on any meds right now. He explained that he was on Depacote (I just remembered the name of that med) years ago for what he said was called "rages". A couple of months ago the p doc had him on Ritalyn...I found that scary because his mania is so bad I worried about it getting worse on that stuff. Has anyone ever heard of getting Ritalyn for treating bipolar? I really stink at learning computer stuff so forgive me if my etiquette is not what it should be...I try to learn as I go...I like the smiley/etc. faces but can't figure that out yet! Thank you for your responses...amazing how anonymous angels can be!

so, maybe turn off your computer now and ... have some gentle dreams. it will WILL get better. you are at a turning point. we will all be here tomorrow to answer you more questions and try to be of support to you.

you sleep well.