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Norvalle

New Member

Joined : May 2009

Posts : 1

Posted 5/14/2009 3:06 AM (GMT 0)

Hello, I'm new here. My wife has been diagnosed w bipolar recently. She is currently in an inpatient facility in Arizona. She has been there for about three months, the first two of which being treated for clinical depression. I'm here to learn more about the condition and see how others, especially with children, cope at home. Any insight is greatly appreciated and thank you all in advance. Norvalle

maggiern

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2008

Posts : 260

Posted 5/14/2009 4:48 AM (GMT 0)

In my case, I know that it has been hard on my kids. I have had multiple attempts at suicide though, and my kids feel to this day that they must take care of me and always worried when my mood changes. Just let your children know that what they do or even did is not the problem with mom, it is just who she is and she is getting the help she needs. My thoughts are that if the children always worry about their parents they may not move on with their own life. Just let them know whats up and tell them she is getting help, do not put to much pressure on them to be responsible for watching her every move. Hang in there.

serafena

Veteran Member

Joined : May 2007

Posts : 3715

Posted 5/14/2009 5:32 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Norvalle,

Welcome to HealingWell and to the bipolar board. It's good that you want to educate yourself. It must be very hard having your wife in an inpatient facility for so long. How old are your kids?

A book I own and really recommend is The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David Miklowitz. It's got information about the disorder itself and details about its symptoms and treatments, as well as information about how to live with the disorder for the patient and their family.

I recommend being as honest and open with your children as is possible and appropriate, and stressing that they've done nothing wrong, that love is what mom needs. It's a tough situation. I don't envy you.

Good luck,
serafena

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