HI, I am new here to the Bipolar forums...My husband has Bipolar and I am looking for support for a bipolar spouse....

Hi,

How are you? Is your husband doing well?

M

welcome! not every one here has bipolar themselves but maybe a child etc. But we all have ears and are willing to help support you.
How are things going?
bizI

Hi I'm one of those that doesn't have bi-polar. But has family members
that does.

I am totally available to help with anything I can.

Let me know how to help.
D
onna

Hi guys! He is doing good! But lately there is tension between us..Most of the time he is manic.I have not seen a depressive episode once in the two years we've been together. He gets reclusive then really outgoing at a drop if a hat....His meds are depokote (SP?) and his is suppose to take seroquel,but him and myself really don't like that med so much..I was on it for chronic Insomnia once and I had some really bad side effects. I am on trazodone now...I can't say I like it,but with chronic insomnia and panic disorder I really dont see another med that would benefit both conditions. I Have multiple sclerosis and it has caused both the insomnia and panic along with chronic depression.. i treat (other then the trazodone) most of my treatments are natural. I am trying dearly to help him with some natural along with pharma's..I have showed him some relaxation. His brain works to fast so he can not do meditation...but he does do some breathing exercises...which help out alot when he becomes to overwhelmed.

Hi,

Is he getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthful food?
Did he tell his psychiatrist about the Seroquel? Perhaps he does not like the Seroquel because it kills the high he gets from his mania. Or maybe he needs a different dose. At any rate, he needs to come clean with his psychiatrist and tell him he is not taking the Seroquel. The psychiatrist can help your husband when he / she knows the facts.
People with bipolar are most successful with they stay in close touch with their mental health team
For family members, nami.org offers good support. Check their web site to find a chapter.


Arsenic occurs naturally. As does Borax. So does poison ivy. Be careful.
In other words, there are lots of so called natural supplements that can made bipolar mania worse. Always check with the psychiatrist first. Some of us here do not even take cold medications without checking with the psychiatrist or pharmacist.
What I am trying to say is that bipolar is not a do it yourself project. You are fortunate to have access to professionals. Get them to work with him better.
By putting his health back in their hands you can focus on yourself and I hope can relieve some of the tension you are talking about. It is hard to be a family member of someone with bipolar and it sounds like you have a lot of the responsibility. Get all the help you can and insist he cooperate with his mental health team.

M