Bipolar Depression

I have lived with Don for the last 3 years and we have gone through the mania and depressive episodes. At the moment he seems to be depressed and has insomnia. I'm afraid to suggest things or ask him to fulfill my needs because it may hurt him. I don't know what to do. It's frustrating to see someone I love hurting and it hurts me too. His mom died last year and I think that has something to do with it. I'm scared for him and confused. Please help!

Sandy,

Read the posts on this board - especially those at the "friends and loved ones" section. You will find people there that are not bipolar and are/were significant others of bipolars. Your description is very brief. You may find posts that describe things similar to what you are going through. I particularly reccomend a post by "G" titled "BP-Non-BP Relationship Patterns from a long term Non-BP Survivor". It is an excellent description of what non-BP's go through when finding out about their BP.

My now ex-wife also had her father die about a year before her serious BP situation arose. She had some lower grade symptoms before but that seemd to trigger some very extreme behavior culminating in her movinng out unexpectedly, attempting suicide several times, losing her realtionships with our children and ultimately being relatively unable to live a normal existence. Much of my story is on the various forums here in bits and pieces if you have any interest.

But there are many other people here who have gone through various versions of what you are about to embark on. Its not pretty. You can learn a lot here but its pretyt scary when you know its true from having lived it yourself. There are many caring people here who will do there best to help. I find myself reading certain posts again and again - and it helps. Best of luck and take care.

Wow sounds like my life. We only found out last winter that my hubby was bipolar. his grandfather (who was like a father to him) died the summer before. I really feel that loosing his grandfather made the disease come out in the open last year. He is a landscaper and is off every winter. The previos winters he would visit his grandfather when he was bored. I really have no real good advise just to not push anything. Pushing has never got me anywhere. I suggest things to him once or twice. Then I find e-mailing him actually gets the job done. My hubby got fired about a month ago so I have been tring to be real careful how far I push him. He is still taking his meds as prescribed and seeing his doctor once a month. He just found out today that his unemployment benefits have run out and there is no more money to get until the new year. I think I pushed him too hard today. I was tring to explain that any job is more money than 0.00. I pushed too hard and am alittle afraid of what is at home waiting for me. wish I really had some advise for you though- just dont push.