Bad weekend, need my friends...

[TXYankee]

My heart goes out to you.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

 

[Yvet]

Just a big

Whenever you need a friend or a shoulder just come to the boards and we will help you with that....

 

[tickledtink33]

Keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[DSNY4ever]

ugh, sending you lots of hugs! This recently happened to a friend of mine whose husband was also recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I am sure this is very difficult for you and your family. Hang in there, I hope things get better soon

 

[dustyraye]

Sending your way.

 

[exwdwcm]

sending pixie dust your way.

 

[dmccarty]

Do not beat your self up for not realizing he had stopped taking the meds. How would you have known? Maybe in the future you will know and can "nip it in the bud." as Barney Fife would say.

Don't feel you are alone dealing with the illness and situation. People get into a situation like this and feel alone. Like they are the only ones dealing with this kind of situation. It might help to find a group of people who are in the same circumstances. That group could be local or on the Internet. Just knowing you are not the only one dealing with this kind of situation can be a help.

Many people you pass by in life are bearing some pretty heavy crosses but its not obvious. Don't feel alone in this. Some days will be good. Some days will be bad. Focus on the good. Learn from the bad and then bury it in the back yard. Easier said than done I know.

Good Luck.
Dan

 

[TinkRocks]

Take care, keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers

 

[stitchlover]

Thought I would check in with you to see how things are going? Things settling down?

 

[lttlmc3]

Things are a bit better. He's acting and feeling fine now that he's back on his medicine. Our money situation is kinda hard now because of all the money he lost (thank God the cruise is paid for!) and he is feeling really guilty. I'm having a hard time trying to get over things, you know?

 

[stitchlover]

Oh I understand that one. Our daughter is real defiant and when she is mad and not getting her way she will just spew the most awful, ugly things at me. Then she will storm off to her room. 15 minutes later she comes down and it's like nothing happened and she's fine.

I know I'm her mother and I love her but I can't just turn it off like that. I sometimes hold a grudge and I know I shouldn't. I sometimes think it's just because I'm in shock over what happened.

Hang in there...you might want to look at getting someone that you can talk to about what you are going through on your side. Being a caregiver for someone with a mental health issue is not easy. Know that you are in our prayers and our thoughts.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

My mother is bipolar and she took herself off of her meds as well which resulted in a major breakdown.

Drinking while the meds are still in your body is a major health risk.

Let me just say "May God bless you and give you the strength to get through this." I know exactly what you're going through.

The struggle will be remembering that your husband is acutally ill and it may even require you physically giving him his meds and standing there while he takes them.

Mom has been episode free for 5 years!

 

[scrappinmom]

I'm so sorry. I just now saw this thread. I'm a psychologist and work with many bipolar adults and children. What your dh did is completely normal for the disorder - unfortunately. Like others have said it's like the cruel joke of taking meds that actually work - you forget that you actually NEED them.

There are a couple of things you can do. First - YOU HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT! - (yes, I meant to put that in all caps). Seriously, it's his disease, not yours & while you can take the responsibility of how you act/react to him you cannot take responsibility for him. So let yourself off the current hook now, and forever.

Second, once he's restablized, it might be a good time to talk about credit card access. Many bipolar patients have issues with gambling, shopping, and simply going bazerk with money in general. I know that when he's stable he needs access to a credit card - I understand that - look into a low limit - say $500 one.

Finally, make sure he has a followup appointment with his psychiatrist...sooner rather than later.

Take some precautions now to protect yourself and him in the future. So you're not walking around for the next 5,10 or 15 years waiting for the other "shoe" to drop.

Take care of youself

 

[LilGMom]

Big to you and your DH.

 

[jcb]

You've gotten good advice on all fronts so let me offer one more - please consult with a consumer protection attorney. Tennessee has a statute that makes gambling contracts void under certain circumstances. A consumer protection attorney could advise you whether you could avoid some or all of the losses your DH incurred.

I must say this isn't my field and I am reluctant to say anything that might give false hope. I still think it worth you trying to find out.

I suggest you call your personal attorney if you have one. If not, pm me and I'll ask around for some names.

 

[Disneydonnam]

I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. My brothers girlfriend is bipolar and its very difficult. We can tell when she stops taking her meds. She can love us one min and the next hate us. You are in my prayers.

 

[Whipperwhirl]

As a family with a long history of battles with BP (some won, some lost) Im wishing you nothing but the best. I give you a tremendous amount of credit for hanging in there - your husband is a lucky man. Whip

 

[jewjubean]

I know what your going through, my mother is diagnosed with bipolar and I didnt find out until I was almost a Junior in HS. She stopped taking her med's for almost a year, and that was one of the worst in my life. She moved me half way across the country I went to 3 different HS's my freshman year.If you need someone to talk just PM me!! I'm here for you even though I dont know you!!!

 

[mrzrich]

No wisdom. Just