My husband - Trigger
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| Tue, 11-15-2005 - 10:46am |
This weekend I got a phone call from my husband saying he was in the hospital, because he wanted to kill himself. He is in the military and out of the country. His doctor has diagnosed him with type 1 bipolar, or something with a 1 and bipolar. I have a general understanding of bipolar, but really don't know what the different levels mean. He is getting help, but is still suicidal. He has someone in his room 24 hours a day watching him. We have a 1 year old daughter and a good marriage. I don't know how to help him. Everything I say seems to be the wrong thing. He doesn't even know what meds he's taking. He said the bipolar one starts with a D he thinks. The dr. is supposed to call me today so hopefully I'll find out more. I've always thought he had bipolar, but he never wanted to be treated for it because as a kid they had him on so many medications he was a zombie. Are there meds. that are able to help him have a normal life?
Thanks, Amy

Hi Amy and welcome...first of all, let me give you many hugs...and reassure you that things will be okay again...with time and patience...I know that isn't the easiest thing to hear right now, when you just NEED everything to be okay RIGHT NOW! But treatment for Bipolar can SOMETIMES be a bit tricky. The meds aren't an exact science, though we ALL wish they were. Your dh is probably taking Depakote. Its a first line mood stabilizer and works pretty quickly to stabilize someone in crisis. Let's pray that it works for him. Being in the hospital can be scary at first, I've been in 4 times myself...but its a SAFE environment to stabilize. When you're Bipolar (BP) your thoughts can be racing so quickly and mood can go from the extremes so quickly that you don't know HOW you are feeling...you can quite easily become suicidal. Be thankful your husband is where he is for now. Hopefully, he can get the help he needs.
You need to ensure that you take care of yourself, so you can help take care of him. Also, I can't say this enough...EDUCATION IS KEY! You have to know what you're dealing with. I've been doing this for years now, and I couldn't have done it without educating myself constantly about treatments, meds, doctors, therapies, mood swings between mania and depression, and of course all the in betweens. There are lots of good online resources...one good link is www.NAMI.org
Also, support is so incredibly helpful. For you and for him. Not necessarily support groups, but online support, supportive friendships, family support...whatever you're most comfortable with. I'd be totally lost without this board, and my family.
Please know that you are welcome to post here anytime. With any questions, or concerns you may have. We're here for you.
Hugs,
Keli
Amy
Hi and Welcome !!!
God could not be everywhere, so
Amy.
Welcome to the board, I'm glad you found us, if not for the reason you did.