Bipolar Spouses Online Support Group

Hi All,

I'm new here so just a short introduction. I am a 62 yr old male married for about 35yrs to a Bipolar II. My wife has had maybe 15 breakdowns or more and each time was hospitalized - of course it was hell. Originally diagnosed schizophrenic before we were married she was OK whilst the kids were babies but statred having problems when they were about 6 - 7. Since then it has been like every 2 years or so. She was re-diagnosed BP and did well as long as she took the meds which was never for long as she refuses to really accept her illness or the need to take meds. I used to kid myself that one day she would be well, but now I've not only realized that will not happen, but that it is likely to get worse as she gets older. In fact for the last year she was hospitalized for a total of about 3 months, and would only speak to me for about 3 of those 12. She is not responding well at the moment and I can see her becoming ill again before she has even recovered from the last two hospitalizations.

Well thats enough for now. In fact I find it too depressing to even remember and talk about it. By the way neither of us are American (I'm from the UK) and we live abroad.

I'm so sorry for what you are both going through.

The cycles seem inevitable don't they?

I don't know that there is anything that can be done to avoid them.

Welcome to the group.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Do you have family to rely on to help out? I wish you the best.

It is so very hard to realize the truth of this illness. And all those years you gave and committed. We understand, som eof us more than others. I was not with my bp husband for long, but there are people here who have stayed the course. Keep posting and hopefully you will find support and relief here.

Post edited by: rch, at: 02/18/2011 07:21 AM

Sorry for what you are going through. Wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers.