Feeling like I am at the end of my rope ....

Suggestion for hanging in there:

1. Make sure you want to hang in there.

2. Set boundaries for acceptable behavior.

3. He needs to get treatment for bipolar and stay with it.

4. Get counseling from a professional to help your marriage.

5. Take care of yourself.

6. If there is alcohol or drug use it has to stop.

7. Keep evaluating the situation honestly and ask the question:

"Is this relationship healthy for me, my husband, and the family"

Glad you found us...we care...

Post edited by: norma, at: 05/16/2008 08:11

Thank you both. My husband is medicated and sees his doctor regularly. In fact, I have attended one of his doctor visits to help him express what was going on and what changes he wanted his doctor to consider. There is no alcohol or drug use.

We have been to counseling in the past and for the most part seem to be able to manage our relationship well when he handles his moods. Our current problem is that we keep discussing ways he can mood alter (alone time, excercise, etc) when he is feeling things going south but he seems to be unable to take any action at the time. And what I mean by unable is that he is too overwhelmed and or exhausted at the time to follow through.

It is hard for me to find a place to accept his exhausted or overwhelmed feelings when I feel like I am the one keeping this little ship afloat.

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.

I don't know how encouraging this will be for you, because there was a LOT of time involved.

I believe I have experienced much of what your hubby experiences, and I know how daunting even the SMALLEST effort or the smallest change seems to be at times.

Still, I have kept trying, and my wife has persisted by encouraging me, sometimes pushing me (S.K.I.T.A!), and always by reminding me to keep trying. It has taken more than five years so far, but, by little bits and pieces, things have gotten better for both of us.

As long as you both continue to try, with faith in your effort and the ultimate result, you'll get there. It may take a long time and a LOT of patience. Okay?

Regards,

Jim

Thank you very much! You guys are right on target here! My husband seems to have trouble finding the energy to exercise and unfortunately a lot of times naps seem to make him feel worse physically even if he feels better mentally. Do either of you have any suggestions for increased energy? My husband drinks a lot of caffeinated drinks do you think that this might be saping his energy?