Top 20 Tips For Coping With A Bipolar Spouse

Having a bipolar spouse can take a physical and mental toll on your life since you are constantly living inside of an emotional hurricane.  Not all relationships that involve a bipolar spouse are doomed for failure though.  Practicing these coping techniques can help the two of you get through the highs and lows together.

  1. If you have a bipolar spouse it is important that you find your own therapist to talk to.  There is a good chance that you will need to speak with a professional to keep your own sanity and vent your feelings.
  1. Join a support group with other people that are living with a bipolar spouse.  If there is not a group in your area, you may want to consider starting your own one.  Chances are, there are others that could benefit from the support as well.
  1. Make time for yourself to do things that you enjoy like walking, jogging, writing or having hobbies.  It helps to vent your frustrated energy into something that you enjoy.
  1. Accompany your bipolar spouse with them when they go to their therapy sessions.  Ask questions and be interactive but do not be overwhelming.
  1. Talk to your spouse about your feelings and what hurts you when they are in a healthy mental state.  Never be confrontational or blaming.
  1. Always remind yourself that better times are ahead.
  1. View the illness as a sickness that you have to combat together as a team.  It is not only one person's disease.
  1. Help monitor the medication that your spouse is taking.  Do not make them feel like you are checking up on them, just let them know that you are concerned.
  1. When your bipolar spouse is in a good state spend enjoyable time together.  Go for a walk, go on a date and spend time with your children if you have them.
  1. When your spouse is in a manic or depressed state, do not argue with them.  It is completely useless and they will not be able to see your point of view in this state.
  1. Do not blame your spouse.  It is not their fault that they are sick.  This is a disease, not a choice.
  1. Never blame yourself.  This is nothing that you can control.
  1. Do not focus on what is wrong with your bipolar spouse or with your relationship.  You need to focus on the positive points of yourself, your spouse and each other.
  1. If you find yourself being resentful, seek out the help of a marriage counselor, one that is trained and experienced in these circumstances.
  1. Do not turn to alcohol or drugs.  Your bipolar spouse needs you to stay strong when they can't be.
  1. Allow yourself time, daily to reminisce about the good times together, it will help you to look forward to the future.  Watch family videos and read old love letters.
  1. Treat yourself once in awhile with a long bath, sleep in one day a week when you can or buy yourself something new.
  1. Do not take things personally.  You cannot control your spouse's depression or suicidal thoughts and do not hold things that they may say to you against them.  They do not truly mean it.
  1. When you have the opportunity to let your guard down, do so.  Relax when you can.  Stress can manifest into a backache, stiff muscles and cause overall aches and pains.
  1. Do not try to hide what is going on in your life from everyone.  It does not hurt to let those know around you know what is happening so they can understand what you and your bipolar spouse are going through.

 

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