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lack of empathy



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08/17/2007 13:08
7EVEN
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My husband was recently diagnosed as bipolar. He has done many things throughout our marriage that makes me wonder if its even possible for him to atleast try and understand other people's feelings. At times, he laughs at things that are serious or when people he supposedly loves get hurt! At times he will show remorse after the fact, but during the event or whatever it is that hes doing, he seems to only consider his feelings. This has caused alot of people, including his children, pain. Is this "common" of the disorder, or is it just a personal issue???
7EVEN

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08/17/2007 18:06
jodie1973
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I have been married to my husband for 13 years. He never been much of an empathizer, there seems to be a disconnect there. I'm not sure how long he has had cyclothymia, and if there is any connection, but I wanted you to know that someone else out here is dealing with much the same thing. A good example would be if he accidentally stepped on someone's foot, he would blame them for having their foot in that spot. Completely inconsiderate behavior. I remember being pregnant, and him acting horribly and me sobbing and he would casually look away and fall asleep. Simply no ability to recognize human needs in other people. It hurts very much.
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08/17/2007 18:57
7EVEN
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Thanks for responding Jodie1973. Wow, I can really relate to the stepping on the toes thing. Instead of my husband saying i'm sorry, he blames or says well, thats what u get for having your foot there??!!?! Our children have been hurt and truly crying and again, "thats what you get....." I've joked around with him about it and asked him if he was raised by wolves? He just can't seem to relate to other people's feelings. Its very frustrating and it worries me how it will impact our children! I already know how bad it hurts me! I can be crying and trying to pour my heart out to him and he has laughed in my face. Other times he has looked away, plugged his ears, or fell asleep. When I went into labor with our 1st child, he invited a friend over to play video games!!! My mom had to come over and motivate him to take me to the hospital! That was 6 years ago and things probably have just gotten worse!
7EVEN



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08/18/2007 17:04
jodie1973
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Oh 7Even, Godd bless you honey, I know just how you feel. I worry so much about the long term impact on my babies, they think our life is normal and it IS NOT. My poor son seems to be one of my husband's triggers and he takes a lot of things from his dad that no kid should. I am torn by what I should do, because if I leave my husband, I am afraid that he will worsen until something horrible happens, but I also worry so much for my kids. I worry that if I leave him, what about visitations? How will I protect them if I am not there, from his anger, from poor choices he may make.....it all is a worry no matter where I turn. Yesterday I was his "sugar baby" and he loves me so, and he promises to make our lives better. Today he is trying to kick me while he lies in bed. It's hard not to take that personal. It's just hard.

If you want to PM me anytime, feel free. We seem to be living similar lives, and maybe we could support one another, in whatever we decide. I'm thinking of you. One thing, MsBimbo told me I should keep a journal, and I am going to do just that. I will feel like I am doing something constructive, and that might relieve some of my stress. Maybe you should consider this also.

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08/19/2007 09:26
bipolarmomma
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I have recently had a meeting with my mother's psych and therapist in a family session. The psych Dr. Pazzaglia has done a lot of research into bi polar. And from what she has told me and what I have found doing my own research. It doesn't sound as if your husband is truly bi polar. Most people who have bi polar actually do feel empathy. Also this psych explained something to me that I don't think I will ever hear again.Most psych will diagnose a patient bi polar nos(non-otherwise specified) because if they list a personality disorder then the likely hood of them being paid by insurance companies is slim. Lack of empathy is not associated with bi polar but is associated with narcissim and anti social persoanlity. If you type cluster b personality in your search bar try to find the one associated with mentalhealth.com, I believe is the site. You might read some things that will change your mind about your husband. take care
BE BLESSED!

r

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08/19/2007 12:07
7EVEN
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Thanks for the info - I wondered about narcissim as well. However, he doesn't show a majority of the signs of that disorder, mainly just the lack of empathy. I will look into it further........The reason i didn't divorce my husband a year ago is because of the fear of how it would be for my kids if I were not around - visitation and such. To be honest though, I'm not sure my husband would even pursue them or take time for them outside of birthdays and holidays. Oh well, today holds enough for me to deal with! I understand Jodie1973 what u r feeling. There r problems either way u go. Just know u don't have to go alone! God Bless...
7EVEN

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08/19/2007 21:30
flightmusic
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It might be both, although I can tell you I have found myself focused on myself to others' exclusion from time to time.

Impulsivity and self-centeredness are 2 potential symptoms of the illness, but again, it might be wise to look at the "whole life picture" of your life together to gain a better perspective.

Hope this helps.



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06/05/2008 07:25
sallie
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7EVEN: you might research Borderline PD also.
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own. Benjamin Disraeli, 1804-1881
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