Bipolar 1 plus separation

[Vivienneh]

I have bipolar 1 with mixed states. Hospitalised for the first time and my husband announced whilst I was resident in a mental ward that he was leaving me. My brain got fried from extended mania so it took a month for it to dawn on me, the reality of being seperated. I’m exercising and taking the meds, and doing everything I’m supposed to do. How do you adjust to a marriage break up safely with bipolar 1?

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Vivienneh,

Firstly, I’m very sorry about the late reply. Please don’t think that this has anything to do with you (it absolutely does not). Sometimes we accidentally miss posts. I’m so sorry about the delay and I hope you’re still reading 🙂

I know that Bipolar can be very debilitating. While I don’t have bipolar personally, I know many caring people here on the forums have it here. So there’s a lot of understanding & empathy on the forums...

It sounds like your husband’s decision is slowly sinking in. I feel that would be a very painful reality to try to accept...it must stir so much in you emotionally now...

How do you adjust to a marriage breakup safely with bipolar 1?

I think that is a really good and important question.

I admit that I may not be the best/most knowledgeable person person to answer that question, but I’m hoping one of the other lovely forum members responds...

In the mean time, I still wanted to write to lend some emotional support. I hope that’s okay...

Kindness and care,

Pepper

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

I am sorry for your situation. I am bp2 and although only diagnosed at 54yo, 10 years ago, it is safe to say I’ve had the illness all my life and that includes 4 relationships all over 7 years long each.

How do you survive it? You do a number of things-

• Accept that in a few months time you’ll accept the situation much better and you’ll settle
• get distractions. This means being busy, busy, busy. I discovered this when,post separation I bought land and built a kit home while working 3 jobs including shift work. Suddenly I didn’t have time to worry.
• Try to see the situation as s two way thing, if he has rejected you it’s his decision but who’d want someone that doesn’t appreciate you?
• maintain counseling

TonyWK