How can a spouse be supportive towards their bipolar spouse during the times tha

1. 52

   wantsposted 13 years ago

   How can a spouse be supportive towards their bipolar spouse during the times that hurtfull...
   
   How can a spouse be supportive towards their bipolar spouse during the times that hurtfull comments are coming from the bipolar spouse? I try my best not to start an arguement or get defensive, but it seems I am going about it all wrong no matter what I try. Spouse with bipolar seems very suicidal.

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2. 0

   L a d y f a c eposted 13 years ago

   This is a really, really hard time. You deserve much credit for staying with them and helping them through it, you are obviously a strong person. They need you. They may not tell you that, but they do. If your spouse has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, are they on medication? How long have they been on it? When was their last visit to their psychiatrist? Perhaps it's time to take a look at their medication, maybe it's not working for them the way it should anymore. When you say that you are going about it all wrong, what do you mean? Do you mean that you feel you are somehow making it worse? Or just that you seem to not be helping?
   Being suicidal shouldn't be taken lightly. Are they at home all the time alone or are they working? If the suicidal thoughts become too bad they may need to be admitted for a short time to ensure their safety.
   Hang in there, it's really hard on the heart but by being there for your spouse you're helping more than you know.

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3. 52

   wantsposted 13 years ago

   Spouse has chosen to not be on medication and I support their choice. What I mean by I am going about it all wrong, is that I seem to make matters worse at the time even though I'm trying to be supportive, also sometimes it feels like I'm not helping matters. The suicidal times come when my spouse is alone on the road due to business trips.

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