Spouse of someone with bipolar--a question

I too try to get him to see that his brain is just another body part that needs some medicine. He has no problems taking prescription allergy medicine and acid reflux medicine, so it isn't like he is 'anti-medicine'.

He just can not or will not acknowledge there could be anything wrong with his brain. I don't understand why he is that way, because he saw I took antidepressants and anti anxiety medicine years ago when my ex was trying to get custody of my kids and it really messed me up while ex was lying on the witness stand. (the meds helped me a LOT) My husband was OK about ME taking 'brain meds' but won't do it to help himself.

Take care

Post edited by: sky, at: 01/18/2008 21:41

Post edited by: sky, at: 01/18/2008 21:43

You're not alone:

Post edited by: sky, at: 01/18/2008 21:56

Don't know why, but I feel the need to make some statement, in which I guess I want to explain myself why I could not make IT. It was just too overwhelming for me to stay...

In the past, I had never a chance to be in a stable, loving relationship. My partners with or without bipolar or with any other psychological / emotional issues were not able to show me what did it mean to be truly loved, to be accepeted and supported by someone you love. It was never secure and healthy relationship...I knew happy love only from the movies, that is why I decided, in spite of my intense feelings towards my bipolar love, to leave. I need to give myself a chance to try something less complicated. Before, I could not even imagine that it would be possible, but somehow I have been given this strange hope that love may be a simple, not distressing and anxiety provoking experience. Through all this time I was carefully gathering my energy, my optimism, my hope and trust just to have it taken by people who sworn to love me. Often the only thing I was given in return was this groundless promise.

It is soo painful and I feel so guilty by leaving him but I know that with time all these feelings will evaporate and I will have a chance to experience the life when someone supports you, and you can feel safe with him because his feelings and behaviours are predictable (for a change).

It was great to be a part of your community folks!

I learned soo much from all of you, and most certainly thanks to you I fought for this relationship for so long.

If I could only be stronger and have enough faith to go on...anyway

all of you - take care!!! You are wonderful people, I know because I always fell for you...wish you the best!

Maja

I share your sentiments....I feel that I am the one to blame for everything ...and I get sick and withdraw to a point that I forget about myself...hang in there....

It is a interesting theory that could explain "random" episodes in a person's life. Random to us, but reoccurring to the individual. It's like an event that never ends. It could drive a person into some permanent mental illness later. Or, at least, an extreme version of an existing illness.

I would wonder if there is a counter-acting positive and extreme stimulus that the diagnosed individual may experience to become happy or "cured" of the trauma.

NorthPolar

If you're interested in the "clinical stuff", you might want to look for some information on neuroplasticity or neuronal plasticity.

I'm just coming back from a trip, so I am way behind in things; but I will leave you with a post on "resonant behavior" which contains a reference to neuronal plasticity, both of which topics seem to be related to "kindling."

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/bipolar-support-forums/ tips/796-dual-diagnosed-bipolarresonant-behavior

I really appreciate your post.

Thanks.

Regards,

Jim

Post edited by: JR1, at: 01/21/2008 15:08