undefinedHello, I am new to this site and I am looking to talk and learn from others who have spouses that have bi-polar. My key questions are: what are realistic expectations of someone with bi-polar in minimum management of their illness? How do you discern what is behavior and what is the illness regarding commitment to better manage the illness?
My husband vacilates back and forth in accepting the bi-polar diagnosis, risk of various addictions, and what he is responsible for or what he can do to better manage his illness. He has been under the care of a psychiatrist for 10 years and after his traffic conviction in which his felony was reduced to a misdameaner he agreed to go to a therapist, but has not consistently followed through.
I have been seeing a very good therapist as well and I am working on my own co-dependence issues. I am struggling with where do you draw the line when the words and promises are not followed through with action. And how do you deal with the guilt if he committs suicide?
The bottom line is I know I can not do this for him no matter how much I want to, he has to do it and I need to follow through with appropriate consequences and make the best decisions for me as well.
I am working on a New Day and not being sucked in anymore to the drama and trusting that whatever does happen I can trust in God to give me strength to come out on the other end with a purpose.