my bipolar road trip
So I just found out that the condition of your husband or wife has bipolar .. Now What?
First, realize that they are not alone. There is Many support groups and more than enough information about mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder (or manic depression) to help meet the new challenges you are facing.
Below is a brief summary of the suggestions to help you on your way.
A LIST OF DON'TS [Sorry, but these may be more important that the principle "Do's", since many people react negatively when I first received this diagnosis]
– Do not judge them. Realize that this is a chemical imbalance, an issue that is beyond their control. It would be like if her husband had been diagnosed with a biochemical disorder, such as diabetes. They need your support, not your opinion.
– Do not get into a pity party for you same. Your spouse is probably already feeling guilty and a burden to you. Try to step into his shoes and imagine how you would feel if you were them. You probably would not want a guilt trip thrown on top of a situation as stressful and worrisome.
– Not for them or tell them what kind of recovery choose – to discuss with them, but we will make the decision. Becoming shrill, to give orders or ultimatums only increases the stress of all levels. Remember, they are unable to control their chemical imbalance.
– Try not to enter a power struggle about possible alcohol or drug use. If you start to hide or remove things from them will increase a sense of alienation and can send them to the deepest depression or despair. Besides, they probably only to find a way to replace anyway. This does not mean that substance abuse should be tolerated. There's a fine line between use and overuse in order to avoid obtaining help. This is where you need a professional counselor. If your spouse will not go with you, go yourself – you need to know how to handle these situations and professional advisers mental health will have the answers you need.
– Not to be over protective. This will only cause problems down the road. Just be there for help and support but can not manage their disease for them – they just burn out. Who are responsible for their own recovery – taking their medications, go to medical appointments, etc., but not eliminate problems in advance. Let your spouse handle themselves, of course, with your help when needed.
– Do not pretend to understand what they are feeling – that no one knows but them. People with mood disorders tend to be more sensitive to other's attitudes and reactions and can pick up quickly the lack of sincerity and negativity, whether verbal or body language. Just be totally honest, to say that I do not know how they feel, but you will reassure them standing by them to help and support when needed.
List what – you educate yourself. The more you learn about this disorder, more help and understanding you can provide to your spouse. There is enough information on this subject, whether in books or on the Internet, which can increase their knowledge in this area both to prepare by the unexpected and we inform you that the support that your husband will need. Just to start, you may want to go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the website rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.nami.org"> http://www.nami.org and branch out from there.
– You realize that bipolar disorder is treatable. It is not the end of the world. Many people diagnosed with this disease have managed to continue on with their lives and some with great success. Past examples are Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Charles Dickens. Today, some well known celebrities have spoken openly about her own personal experience of being bipolar: Dick Cavett, Richard Dreyfuss, Carrie Fisher, Linda Hamilton, Margot Kidder and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
– Receive adequate professional help. Your spouse will need and you also need it. Find a support group (or two) for spouses and families living with someone with mental health problems and mood disorder. You find great comfort and support of these groups and you will not have to do this alone.
Georgie Ellington is a regular contributer to the information resource websites of Information Hill. For more information on this subject, you may visit informationhill.com
Bipolar – Entry #16 – Road Trip #1
