I have been married for 5 years(our children are grown) and my husband is diagnosed with BP. He also is an alcoholic and now has 3 months sobriety. He is being treated by a psychiatrist and is on a very high dose of lithium. He began lithium in April/2008 and this “mood enhancer” has not yet improved his mood swings. He overreacts to issues that just don’t matter! If he is not irritable, he looks very sad and is very quiet/despondent. He has lost that sparkle he used to have in his eyes. When he gets angry, I have tried everything from making a light joke of his reaction, ignoring it, listening respectfully and hearing his issue, walking away and quietly saying that I don’t wish to participate in his bad mood…..oooh, I am very frustrated as nothing seems to work. Also,as well as having BP, combatting alcoholism and remaining sober is also a huge challenge for him. I find that living like this is dragging me down. I feel happy when he is not around and I have a healthy circle of friends that I talk to and visit. When he comes home, I am noticing more that I put up a wall of defense around me. Often, when I talk to him, he will get angry over a word I used –or just anything! IT is so frustrating so I notice I talk less because I wish to avoid confrontation. I feel like a yo-yo.The other side of it is that the man I married is highly educated, talented and interesting. When he is out of the ‘lows”, he is the best husband any wife could wish for! He is kind, generous, thoughtful, successful and concerned about my well-being. Unfortunately, I haven’t enjoyed any good times with him for almost 4 months but I am hoping that when the lithium “kicks” in and/or when he has more sobriety then these negative times will lessen. We are financially secure with so many blessings and here I am thinking about leaving. I realize that grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but lately I feel pretty depressed living like this. I would appreciate any advice or words of encouragement. thanks.
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