4 Ways to Deal with a Bipolar Husband

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4 Ways to Deal with a Bipolar Husband
4 Ways to Deal with a Bipolar Husband

Video: 4 Ways to Deal with a Bipolar Husband

Video: 4 Ways to Deal with a Bipolar Husband
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Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that affects everyone around the person with the disorder. Being married to someone bipolar can have a strong impact on your marriage. While illness can put pressure on a marriage, divorce is not the only solution, the couple may be able to work out a solution together. Learn to deal with your husband so that you can have a healthy and fulfilling marriage.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Dealing Together with Bipolar Disorder

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 1
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 1

Step 1. Learn about bipolar disorder

One thing that can help in dealing with a bipolar person is learning more about the illness. Learn about symptoms, different stages and even different types. Knowing more will help identify manic or depressive episodes, understand the chemical imbalance behind the attacks, and look for any behavioral problems.

Knowing more about the disorder can help you avoid surprises and lessen the frustration caused by the disorder

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 2
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 2

Step 2. Do the treatment together

If you have a bipolar husband, both need to go through the treatment process, this means going with your husband to see the psychiatrist. Being part of the healing process can help make your marriage healthier. It will also be possible to help with the medical evaluation by talking honestly about your husband's behavior, and the doctor will be able to explain the disorder better.

  • However, you must have her husband's consent, otherwise the psychiatrist will not be able to include her in the sessions.
  • Make it clear to your husband that you are not going with him to try to control him or speak for him, but rather to support him and be part of the treatment process, as this will affect both of you.
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 3
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 3

Step 3. Make a schedule

Help your husband have a daily schedule, the routine can help you avoid surprises and problems. The schedule should include a time for bed and exercise, a healthy diet, and times for therapy. Other daily or weekly activities can be included in the routine.

Include time spent together. Communication is key, so spend time together and take care of the wedding. For example, define that every Saturday night for three hours will be the couple's time. You can go to a movie, go out to dinner, or put on some music and spend time together at home. Remove all distractions during these hours, including cell phones and computers

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 4
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 4

Step 4. Create a safe space for your husband

It is necessary to build an environment where your husband feels safe. He needs a safe space to vent his feelings without risking punishment or condemnation. Bipolar people need safe environments to deal with the frustrations caused by the illness.

To help build this space, show your husband that he doesn't have to worry about expressing his feelings to you. Be there to talk to him in times of crisis

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 5
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 5

Step 5. Teach your children about bipolar disorder

Don't hide the illness of the father from the children, they must learn what being bipolar means. Children must also know how society views psychological illnesses, especially bipolar disorder, and must learn to deal with the disorder.

  • Ask your children to be honest about their feelings. Explain that feeling embarrassed or irritated by a parent's actions is normal.
  • Try not to make the illness a family secret that your children feel they can't talk about. This is unhealthy and can make children afraid of the parent or the illness.
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 6
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 6

Step 6. Recognize when bipolarity is talking and when it is your husband

Bipolar disorder can sometimes cause your husband to say things he didn't want to. If you are very angry, he may say very harsh words. In case he is depressed, he may say that he would be better off dead, or that he doesn't care about anything. Try to learn to separate your husband's words from what is said because of bipolarity.

  • It may take a while to be able to discern correctly. You may need the help of your husband's psychiatrist to be able to tell the difference between the two.
  • But remember: knowing how to differentiate when he's being bipolar doesn't give your husband an excuse to verbally abuse you. Talk to the psychiatrist if your husband is verbally abusing you and ask for help.

Method 2 of 4: Setting Boundaries

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 7
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 7

Step 1. Set ground rules

You must establish rules for dealing with bipolar disorder. The rules should cover the various possible behaviors, such as episodes of severe depression, suicidal thoughts or even compulsive shopping. These rules are set to help you know what to expect when your husband starts acting in certain ways and to know what is expected of each.

  • Discuss these rules when he is not experiencing an episode of the disorder.
  • Make it clear which rules are non-negotiable. State what behaviors are unacceptable and explain the consequences and actions that will be taken if he does not take the medication, if he starts to spend compulsively, or anything else. But keep in mind that you have to do what you are promised, otherwise the plan will be useless.
  • Remember that you are talking to your husband and partner, so you need to approach the subject firmly but at the same time with love. Don't be rude or treat him like a child. Act like two adults who are responsible planning to deal with bipolar disorder so that marriage and family remain strong and intact.
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 8
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 8

Step 2. Create rules regarding compliance with strategies

An important aspect of dealing with bipolar disorder is ensuring that the person sticks to the plan. Your husband should take the medications as prescribed, go to the therapist's appointments, and follow any other strategies that the psychiatrist, your husband, and you come up with.

A simple rule is for your husband to take his medication as prescribed. Most of the problems with treatment are that people don't take their medications on time or stop taking them

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 9
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 9

Step 3. Set financial limits

Many people with bipolar disorder shop compulsively. This greatly harms the family budget and the relationship. It's a good idea to create rules to limit the possible expense caused by the inconvenience.

For example, create a rule where you can withdraw credit card or account access if he starts spending too much

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 10
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 10

Step 4. Don't tolerate any abuse

Some bipolar people can be rude to their own family. It must be made clear that such attitudes against family members will not be tolerated. Talk to your husband that any physical abuse is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, and it is also important to make it clear that verbal and emotional abuse will not be accepted.

If your husband is verbally or emotionally abusive, talk to him about ways you can try to control these verbal attacks. See a psychiatrist if necessary

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 11
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 11

Step 5. Build an action plan for times of crisis

Set some rules for when things get really bad. This can include when he doesn't want to take the medicine, is having a bad episode, or has thoughts of suicide. These rules serve to protect your husband as well as you.

  • For example, you could define that your husband should be responsible for contacting the doctor if he experiences a depressive episode for a few days.
  • Or, talk to your husband to let him know when he has thoughts of suicide so you can contact your doctor for help.

Method 3 of 4: Protecting Yourself From a Bipolar Husband

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 12
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 12

Step 1. Don't ignore the problem

Some people think that if the disease is ignored, it will disappear. No one in the family should ignore her husband's disorder, not even himself. Don't ignore it and pretend your husband is okay. This can cause future problems.

If you feel the need, regret the fact that your husband is bipolar. Grief is part of the acceptance and coping process. Dealing with a bipolar husband can be difficult, it's normal to need time to adjust to this new challenge in your life

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 13
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 13

Step 2. Don't live your life for your husband's sake

While some adjustments and sacrifices may need to be made because your husband is bipolar, that doesn't mean your life should revolve around him. You must not live for it, you must have your own life, with your own interests. Have hobbies and also focus on your career and personal goals. Don't sacrifice yourself.

Remember that you are a human being who deserves to have a good life. In addition to taking care of your husband, you need to take care of yourself. Having a life that revolves only around your husband can cause a lot of problems for the couple

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 14
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 14

Step 3. Find support

You may feel uncomfortable seeking support out of fear that people will judge your husband and you for your illness. However, support from trusted family members or friends should be sought. Finding trustworthy people can help ease the burden on your back.

If you don't want to turn to acquaintances, try to find a local support group. This can create a comfortable environment to talk about what it's like to be married to a bipolar without fear of any negative responses

Method 4 of 4: Helping Your Husband Get Help

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 15
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 15

Step 1. Keep in mind that bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed

Misdiagnosis is common among bipolar people, in part due to high rates of comorbidity (the presence of another illness along with bipolar disorder). Individuals with bipolar disorder can also suffer from social phobia, ADHD, OCD and drug problems. Also, often only the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can be noticed and treated.

Tell your husband to talk to the psychiatrist about any symptoms you have if you believe he has been misdiagnosed

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 16
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 16

Step 2. Discuss the topic when both are calm

If your husband has been diagnosed with bipolar in the past but is not being treated by a psychiatrist, you should help him get the help he needs. That way you will both be safe and healthy, having a loving and fulfilling marriage. Remember to bring it up when you're both comfortable and calm, avoid talking about it when you're upset or sentimental.

The first time you bring up the subject may not work. Your husband may be angry or upset about the conversation. He may feel that he does not need help with his disorder because he has been living well without help. If this happens, stop the conversation and let the subject come back to you in the future

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 17
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 17

Step 3. Use a loving tone when talking to your husband

You need to be very careful how you talk to him when you're talking about bipolar disorder. Use a calm, loving voice, don't speak accusingly. Don't be sentimental or angry because this will make your husband distressed.

Try not to start sentences with "you", instead start with the word "I". Say for example, "I love you, and I noticed you seem a little sad lately. I want to help if I can." You might also say, "I see how hard you struggle every day. I love you so much so I did a little research and I think you might have bipolar disorder."

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 18
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 18

Step 4. Help your husband learn more about the disorder

Perhaps you are in a situation where your husband has never been diagnosed with bipolar. If your husband hasn't realized he has the disorder, he may not know the symptoms. Be prepared to teach your husband about the disorder. Invite him to read the information together or give him time to read it alone.

Print articles on identifying symptoms of bipolar disorder or treating the illness. Include information about how bipolar disorder affects the brain, along with common symptoms of different types of bipolar disorder. It is also a good idea to include treatment options

Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 19
Deal with a Bipolar Husband Step 19

Step 5. Protect yourself from abuse

While it is possible to build a loving and healthy relationship with your husband, it requires dedication to the treatment from both of you. However, this is not always the case. You could end up being abused if he ignores your diagnosis or refuses treatment.

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