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Bipolar Disorder/my wife's bipolar I

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Expert: - 10/7/2008


Question
I really need a professional opinion regaring my wife; she is 27 yrs old, is an elementary school counselor, diagnosed as, and takes meds, for Biploar I, Severe Depression, ADD, has herself when she was younger and again at 20yrs old and had a bad relationship and suffocating relationship with her mother and a very low tolerance for stress and external noise.  She has done erratic things, had an affair and flaunted it, moved about 3 months ago, and after we had a discussion in her ofc, she stopped talking to me, put out a false protective order and has not contact me since.  Is this "isolation" normal with bipolar, depression, and add? Most family people say to give her space and time.  pls help me.  thank you.
My email is: ssp9756@comcast.net

Answer
To be perfectly honest, I have to agree with the people who have said that you should give her space and time, which is essentially the statement that she has expressed non-verbally with the protective order and cutting off contact with you which preceded the order. It is impossible to try and convince a person to 'change their mind' when they've decided to not listen, and no action or words are going to make a bit of difference until - if ever - they choose to turn their hearing on again.  I would take the time that has been imposed upon your situation to really weigh out the positive and negative in the relationship, to realistically think about whether or not there is a chance for things to work out (which would of course require both parties to acknowledge and do their part to work past the problems and start working on the future), because you may find that if she does come back around, that you're happier without her.

Good luck, let me know if I can assist you with anything else =)

Bipolar Disorder

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Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

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