Scared - husband can't eat

We both know he has to eat - I made him eat chicken & rice last night and he literally choked it down, feeling physically ill after. He's constantly panicked and in fear. The meds aren't yet kicking in and he says he just can't do it anymore. Can't feel like this (he's been on Seroquel for over a month, Prozac for a couple of weeks and just started Depakote a week ago).

I keep telling him it's the illness and to please try and not be so hard on himself. He agrees that it's not good for him - just triggering more of the cycle of self-loathing and depression worsening.

Has anyone tried ECT? Our doc says it's done wonders for the few patients who he know has had it (just finding someone to do it in Eastern FL is hard). Curious if maybe that could help push him out of this downward spiral. He is literally afraid of everything now (except me and our daughter)... the dogs bark and he's afraid the neighbors will be mad; the phone rings and he jumps out of his skin; the mail comes and he's afraid what might be in there that's a bill caused by him when high.

I don't know what to do - I just hug him and lay with him as much as I can. Gave up nagging him to get up but maybe that's better? Looking for some help from others with BPD or those who are with someone suffering. Thanks so much.

I hate this illness - I love my husband.

I am scared with you.

"How far do you let it go before you have to force medical help?" is all I keep asking myself.

What's your husbd up to now? Has he bounced back at all? Is he on meds? Mine's on Seroquel, Prozac & Depakote. Just crossing our fingers that he doesn't swing high again.

My neighbor gave me a great article that you may want to read to him - it's about a guy with bipolar who is an opera singer and he's been fine for 10 yrs now after 2 decades of ups/downs and being drugged to the eyeballs. There is hope and people do get better... for long periods.

I think this site is helpful but I also believe that for every couple who splits as posts often show, these are the worst of times when people seek these chat sites, right? There are plenty of highly-functioning, successful, happy bipolar people out there (the guy from Gen'l Hospital for one, who was on Oprah recently).

Hope this helps. Let me know how you are doing.