Bipolar disorder

[Simcha]

Hi all

My wife is suffering from bipolar we are only married 1year and 3 month and she is experiencing a relapse she is extremely confused she takes evry night 900mg of lithium carbonate and im not sure what to do im trying to talk to her and explaining her what she is going thru but im not sure how to deel with this

Please help !!

[Lakeisha9388]

Hey Simcha. I'm sorry you and your wife are going through a hard time. It must be really difficult for you. I can completely relate as my mother has bipolar disorder. Sometimes its frustrating to see a loved one go through something and feel completely helpless. But know you are not alone.

The first thing I'd suggest is calming your wife, making her feel at ease, by reassuring her you're there for her. Take her hand. Try to get her to focus on your voice, try breathing exercises: deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth until she's calmed down. Second thing to do, get her to a professional for help, take her to A&E or her local GP. It might be that the medication isn't best for her and she might need an alternative. Understand bipolar disorder doesn't just go away, it can reoccur but finding different approaches to deal with mood changes will help you in the future. Sometimes its triggered by trauma, so maybe some therapy for your wife will be beneficial in order to understand the root of her emotions.

Be strong. You can do this. Don't take it all on board yourself. Speak to family and friends , let them know what's going on.

[lise78]

Hi simcha is your wife taking her lithium ? Have you actually seen her take them when I get high I suffer from bipolar have done for over 10 years and when I'm high I am deceitful and a nightmare to live with I'll tell my BF I've taken my meds when I haven't at all ......if she is taking her meds and still high she needs professional help mybe a meds change or increase .....don't suffer in silence please get her help 👍🏻

[Simcha in reply to lise78]

Thanks for your reply

She missed a few nights but now i make sure she takes them each night im just not sure how long it will take her to come back and be herself again

[DMM218 Ambassador in reply to Simcha]

How's it going with your wife? I've no direct experience of this illness but can imagine it's very difficult and stressful for you both. Try and read up as much as you can about it online. There is so much information out there especially forums like this one. Once things have settled down you could look into any local support groups for you or your wife to attend. Witnessing a loved ones mental illness is a different experience to being mentally ill so some things can't be fully shared except with others in your position. Have you got family friends to support you? It's really important that you take care of yourself at this time too. Once your wife has recovered talk to her about this do you can both agree a plan of action for any further relapse. This illness is part of your wife's life experience. It doesn't define her as an individual but it will affect her. Be gentle with yourself and her. Take care.