How to Deal With a Bipolar Husband

Bipolar disorder used to be know as manic depression because sufferers typically alternate between emotional highs and lows. They might go through a manic state of hyperactivity, then fall into a deep depression. If your husband has bipolar disorder, these cycles can be difficult to handle. If he gets proper treatment and is willing to make a plan, you can deal with him effectively and have a good relationship.

Instructions

• 1

  Many bipolar men need medication to even out their manic and depressive states. Ask for your husband's commitment to comply with any medications that have been prescribed by his psychiatrist. His functioning should improve if he takes his pills regularly. Unfortunately, many people stop taking medications once they start feeling better because they think they no longer need them. This brings on a relapse.

• 2

  Create a plan to deal with your husband's symptoms that impact your family life. Bipolar disorder has many symptoms, and some affect other family members. Attend couples counseling sessions so you and your husband can identify the main symptoms and their effects. The counselor can help you come up with a plan to handle them. The plan will act as a neutral touchstone during conflicts.

• 3

  Expect your husband to take responsibility for his behavior. Even though bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that can affect a person's behavior, it should not be an excuse for acting inappropriately. While you can make some allowances for your husband's disorder, you should also expect him to take his medication and use cognitive strategies to keep it under control just as a diabetic would use insulin and lifestyle changes to minimize the impact of that disease.

• 4

  Join a support group for wives and families of people with bipolar disorder. The National Alliance for Mental Illness is a clearinghouse for family members of those with mental illnesses. The organization can refer you to support groups in your area, and you can also find forums and chat groups online.

• 5

  Take care of yourself. When you have a husband with a chronic mental illness, it can wear you down. You won't be able to deal with the ongoing stress if you don't take time for yourself and do things to relieve the stress. Participate in activities that you enjoy and relieve stress through regular exercise, meditation, keeping a journal or whatever works best for you.