Bipolar Support Group

I'm trying to give my husband one last chance, against my better judgment to see if getting him back on medication and dealing with his condition will help him function in our reality.

I hear routine and structure are big things to aim for in any treatment. Along with a good diet, exercise and good sleep.

Are there specific supplements people recommend?

Is smoking really that good for people with bipolar?

I have so many unknowns, and no experience helping people through this.

I plan on letting him use the computer for maximum six hours a day. Wake up time is 8.30am, with breakfast and lunch compulsory (currently he wouldn't make these for himself), housework in the afternoon, dinner and cleaning up after dinner. Time off, and bed at 10.30pm.

It sounds like a pretty good amount of sleep, and still allows for computer, and chores. And plenty of down time away from both.

Are there specific foods that are good for people with bipolar? And ones that we should avoid.

I've heard also that making him write down his moods, when he takes his meds is a good way of keeping track too.

Any advice is welcome for getting him on the right track.

You are naming a lot of good things here that are beneficial to bipolar. Structure and schedule are important as long as it's not stressful. You aren't always going to get to bed at that certain time, wake up, etc. It shouldn't be to the exact. They are good things to aim for. Fish Oil/ Omega 3's are recommended, they are supposed to help with mood. I'm not sure on the smoking, I smoke. Fish is good to eat for the mood benefits. Mood charts are excellent. There is one online you could use at www.moodtracker.com if you like. I think you are doing great by trying to help him. Stability is possible. I am stable and hold a full time job. I live by myself and fend for myself. Welcome to the group!

Welcome to the group Angel. Smoking is not good for anyone. It causes lung cancer and should be avoided. If he is smoking now- encourage him to quit because it is not good for him. It may help if you write your schedule down on paper and have him check off when he finishes things. That will give him a sense of mastery and help him to feel like he has accomplished something. Best of luck to you and make sure you are taking good care of yourself to!

Angel, everything you listed is good and what Joy and April added is important. I just want to add that caffeine should be avoided or limited.

Thanks everyone! I'll keep you all updated on changes.

I'll go with the pill box, avoiding caffeine and the vitamin supplements/fish oil/omega, using the mood tracker and getting him back on meds, seeing a professional and talking to support groups.

At least that gives us a good chance of getting him stable and able to fend for himself. Even if I cannot stay with him because the damage is already done, he'll have a much better chance of surviving without me. And may even be helpful to his family when or if he goes home.

But, family is rather stressful to him. There have always been problems. His mother suffers from several conditions, and they have always instigated fights with each other. Hopefully it was the immature side of him that took the bait. Hopefully after realizing his actions have ruined the marriage and that he needs help and to take his bipolar seriously he won't as much.

I feel like I am between and rock and a hard place. But at the end of the day, I can't be here just to care for him, just because his family probably can't. At least he'll have a roof over his head, and food still there. Not homeless on the street.

Again, thank you for these very useful comments.