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Spouses With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a serious mental illness that affects about 2.6 percent of the U.S. adult population in any given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The effects of this illness reach beyond the person who has been diagnosed. If you have a spouse with bipolar disorder, you know that this condition can affect every aspect of life.

  1. Bipolar Disorder

    • Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings from deep depression to high manic states. These swings can be so severe that they can cause the sufferer to become suicidal, or do things that are risky and detrimental to his own well being and that of his family.

      Your manic depressive spouse might engage in irresponsible behavior when manic, such as spending too much money, risky sexual behavior, or ignoring family and job responsibilities.

      A spouse with bipolar disorder may become so depressed that he cannot go to work or care properly for himself. He may become suicidal.

    Types

    • Your manic depressive spouse has probably been diagnosed with one of the following three types of bipolar disorder:

      Bipolar I Disorder: The sufferer has had at lease one episode of mania, or a mixed mood episode, that lasted at least seven days or that was so severe that hospitalization was required. There will also be depressive episodes.

      Bipolar II Disorder: Manic episodes are milder, called hypomania. This still disruptive form of bipolar disorder may coincide with seasonal changes.

      Cyclothymic Disorder: Signaled by swings between mild depressions and mild periods of mania. Cyclothymic disorder can graduate to a more severe form of bipolar disorder.

    Relationships

    • Bipolar mood disorder, even in its mildest form, can have a negative effect on relationships. It can cause your spouse to do things that can be harmful to herself, you and your family. Many people with bipolar disorder are unable to maintain long-term relationships for this reason.

    What You Can Do

    • Get help for bipolar disorder as soon as your spouse is diagnosed. If you suspect that your spouse has bipolar disorder, encourage him to see a qualified professional for an accurate diagnosis.

      If you have a spouse with bipolar disorder, you must make a strong effort to educate yourself and to take care of yourself. This will help you make decisions about the well being of your family and to be able to help your spouse deal productively with his illness.

    Find Help

    • There are many sources of help for bipolar disorder. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) offers help for people with bipolar and their families. Your state and local governments have community mental health programs that are aimed at providing help and information. Family service agencies, university mental health programs and peer support groups can assist you in getting treatment and support. You can also see a mental health professional to help you work through your own concerns about your manic depressive spouse.

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