MDJunction - People Helping People
 
Online Support Groups
 
Testimonials
 
Signup for Free

Why wear a ribbon?

 
 "Bipolar" (gabrielsmom)

MDJunction to me

Amanda78"MDJunction to me has been the helping friends of understanding that I have needed. I feel now as if someone else it the world understands the things that I am going through. I feel less alone and happier. Here I can let out all my emotions and get support from many people who have been in similar situations. It really has been a life saver for me!" (Amanda78)

more testimonials
Bipolar Support Group

Bipolar Support Group

A place where supportive bipolar members, family and friends come to share their ideas and insights.
Join This Group
Group Home   Forums   Articles   Members (10961)   Diaries   Videos   Leaders   Guidelines
Bipolar Group RSS Feed
Bipolar Forums › General & Support › Is he really Bipolar? Is it my fault?
04/28/2011 01:35 PM
slehrke
 
Posts: 42
Member
My husband was diagnosed Bipolar a few years ago and takes his meds. faithfully. He is on Effexor, Lamictal, and two others. He did not have them this weekend when he was away so he was without them for three days. I am new to this group and wonder if my husband is really bipolar or is it something else. His main problem is mood swings. The littlest thing can set him off on a tyrant. And before the meds he would hit me sometimes during his anger outburst. But he works, holds down a stable job, does not use drugs, and I have never seen one of these euphoric highs in the 27 years we have been married. It's more like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

He is highly intelligent, has a work ethic like no one else I have ever seen, and has always provided for our family. He was abused as a child by his dad, and his grandmother was in a mental hospital for two years with schizophrenia.

He has been acting horrible these last few weeks. We have been having some marriage problems and he has asked for a divorce, but he wants me to still live with him. I am so confused.

Also, is it possible for one person to bring out the worst in another. He will not pitch his fits with anyone but me. I was so happy when he got help and started his meds. And now I am loosing him.

Sandy
Reply

04/28/2011 02:11 PM  Top
Sparkerama
Mania does not require euphoria. In fact, it is quite unpleasant for many of us. We become cross, judgmental, hostile, irritable, even violent.

One term for this is dysphoric mania, though it is not an official diagnostic term. If it describes him, his doctor should be informed.

Your husband may also have trauma issues from the abuse he suffered that can induce a whole set of symptoms similar to, but different from, bipolar. You can read more about that here:

http://helpguide.org/mental/ emotional_psychological_trauma.htm

I think you are shouldering too much blame.

04/28/2011 03:16 PM  Top
moodycoyote
moodycoyote
 
Posts: 34
Member
I wish I had the euphoric high, I usually have mixed episodes where I'm irritable and paranoid. I do have endless seeming energy and forget to eat and sleep sometimes. And apparently I talk REALLY fast, though it seems everyone is just slow to me, which just ends up making me impatient and mad.
Female 33

Bipolar/generalized anxiety/ADHD
food allergies seasonal allergies
GERD

Lamictal 200mg
Zoloft 200mg
Topamax 200mg
Pristiq 50mg
Ambien 10mg
Trazadone 50mg

Protonix 40mg

04/28/2011 04:57 PM  Top
uppitywoman
uppitywoman
 
Posts: 42362
Group Leader
I'm an Advocate
I do not have euphoric mania. I am always angry and can lose control of my anger. I get sleepless and have a lot of excess energy. I don't understand your husband's wanting a divorce and yet live with you. I can see why you are confused. Marriage counseling could help get your marriage back on track. It's important that he stay on his meds and I think it would be good for him to talk with his psychiatrist about his irritability. He may need a med adjustment. He needs to take responsibility for his behavior. Therapy would be good for him to help deal with his past trauma. I hope things will work out for you.
With God, all things are possible

My blog:

http://uppitywomantwo.blogspot.com

Bipolar I

10mg Abilify--400mg Lamictal-90mg Cymbalta--25mg Ambien CR--200mg Topomax--30mg Temazapam--1mg Ativan as needed.


Please note that I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist. My opinions are personal only. This site is not intended to be a substitution for professional care, nor is anyone here qualified to make diagnoses.

Previous discussions I participated in:
New to group!
I Live
Anyone Awake Thursday April 28th

04/28/2011 05:04 PM  Top
sarahtroy
sarahtroy
 
Posts: 12179
Group Leader
I'm an Advocate
Regarding your question: "... is it possible for one person to bring out the worst in another."

What's going on with your husband is not your fault. You are NOT bringing out the worst in your husband. It sounds like several complex things may be going on here. This includes mania and possible trauma issues, coupled with his possible re-enactment of some of the trauma issues with you. "He will not pitch his fits" with anyone else because he doesn't feel safe enough with any one else to do so. I see plenty of reason for hope. You describe someone who may be having a manic or hypomanic episode and needs to have his meds evaluated as soon as possible by his psychiatrist. I would recommend that your husband also be evaluated by a psychologist for possibly PTSD or related trauma issues. Hang in there. You are not the problem.

Bipolar II, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia & PTSD; Alcoholic in recovery since 3/21/07.

Aplenzin 522mg; Pristiq 200mg; Lamictal 400mg; Geodon 160mg; Ativan 1mg TID; Deplin 15mg; Xanax PRN; Metoprol 100mg.

• "Don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens."
• "My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." ~Edith Wharton
• "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Ian MacLaren (Usually mis-attributed to Plato)
• "And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~Anais Nin

My support and advice is not a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical advice.

04/30/2011 08:15 AM  Top
slehrke
 
Posts: 42
Member
Wonder if you can have PTSD, from child abuse as a child?

04/30/2011 11:28 AM  Top
sarahtroy
sarahtroy
 
Posts: 12179
Group Leader
I'm an Advocate
Yes, you can have PTSD from child abuse as a child. It is very common.
Bipolar II, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia & PTSD; Alcoholic in recovery since 3/21/07.

Aplenzin 522mg; Pristiq 200mg; Lamictal 400mg; Geodon 160mg; Ativan 1mg TID; Deplin 15mg; Xanax PRN; Metoprol 100mg.

• "Don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens."
• "My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." ~Edith Wharton
• "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~Ian MacLaren (Usually mis-attributed to Plato)
• "And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~Anais Nin

My support and advice is not a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical advice.
Reply

Share this discussion with your friends:
Members who viewed this page also read:

Bipolar › Bipolar Forums › General & Support › Is he really Bipolar? Is it my fault?

Disclaimer: The information provided in MDJunction is not a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical advice.
In case of EMERGENCY call 911 or 1.800.273.TALK (8255) to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Read more.
Contact Us | Bookmark Us | FAQ | Awareness Ribbons
About Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Spread the Word | MDJ Advocates | Advertise
Copyright (c) 2006-2013 MDJunction.com All Rights Reserved