Jan
My wife was diagnosed to be mildly Bipolar last week. Am I supposed to change my attitude toward my wife or do I just act like nothing is wrong? We have a very stronge relationship with 2 kids. I have always known she had her ups and downs and adjusted to those years ago. What do I do?
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Just love her when she is up,,,,and love her when she is down,,,,she knows she is having these mood swings she simply cannot control them,,,she is so lucky to be in a Strong relationship,,,and to have you to understand and care for her,,,,good for you
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Treat her the same, but don't make her feel like there's something wrong with her - she's still the same person.
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No, I wouldn't change your attitude toward her, just understand that she may have difficulty coping sometimes. Hopefully she can use therapy or medication to be better.
Dana (M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy/Mental Health Counseling)
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just sometimes be more understanding, she cant help it.
if you are doing that then great, dont treat her different, treat her like you always would.
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Give her lots of hugs.
You'll be able to tell when she needs one.
The human touch is nourishment to the soul.
Good luck & hang on !
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Tell her you love her, that your feelings for her are not going to change because of this and that you support her and are there for her. A formal diagnosis to what you say you adjusted to years ago shouldn't change the way you love and support your wife.
Good luck to you both.
Answer:
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness characterized by extreme swings in mood, from highs (mania) to lows (depression). Therefore it used to be referred to as manic-depressive disorder. The condition affects roughly 2.3 million Americans, or about 1.2 percent of the population, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide.
The cause and risk factors of bipolar disorder are not completely understood. However, the condition appears to be strongly associated with genes since it can run in families. Individuals who have relatives with a history of a mood disorder have a greater risk of developing bipolar disorder. Imbalance in the brain biochemicals called neurotransmitters, which convey messages between the nerves, also appears to play a major role. Too many or too few neurotransmitters are believed to cause alterations in mood.
Learn more about bipolar disorder, how if affects families and treatments for it:
http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/bipo…
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You understand it's a disease like any other…cancer, high blood pressure. Be supportive….Make sure she get some meds as some people get very manic at times (full of energy,can't sleep) and it can push them over the edge. Since she has a mild form…this isn't likely but; is definitely to watch for..also if it becomes worse. Other than that…just love her, she hasn't changed she's just been labeled.
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I don't think you should act as if nothing is wrong but there's no reason to change your attitude toward her. I mean, she is still the same person that you married and I'm sure you still love her just the same. It's good to hear that you have a strong relationship and the best advice I can give is to keep the lines of communication open. This is difficult for her and I know it's difficult for you too, so talk to her and offer her the love and support she needs. Another thing you might want to consider, and only if she's comfortable with it, is for the two of you to have a session together with her therapist. That way you can get a little better understanding about what's going on and bring up any concerns. Just remember there's no reason to panic; bipolar is very treatable with medication and therapy.
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Dude if this is for real,NO,Just make sure she takes her meds. 4 real! & have the kids tested as well!! Bipolar ain't no joke.A friend of mine's girl has it,she could be SPOOOOOOKY !! Sometimes,Like she believed that the whole town was out to get her or she would go off on him ,try to hurt herself.Tell him to sleep with one open at all times!!!
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with such a strong relationship why not ask her if there is anything you could do differently to help her. She may just say no, things are good the way they are. If she gives you suggestions on what to change, then try to do it.