Expert: Libby Bonner - 2/21/2006

Question
My wife was diagnosed as being Bipolar and Manic. In the last 6 - 8 weeks I have seen her change dramtically. I dont know where to turn. We have entered marriage counseling and feel that it isn't working.

Answer
Sorry, I have the flu, so this will be short.  She is ill; marriage counseling won't help that.  She should be seeing a psychiatrist who can get her started on the right meds, right dose.

Please learn about bipolar disorder at www.mentalhealth.com.  Start attending NAMI meetings if there are some near you.  You need to hear how others have experienced this.

Mental illnesses are brain disorders caused by faulty brain chemistry...meds can correct this.  Mental illnesses express themselves through thoughts, moods and behavior that are very uncharacteristic of the patient.

The changes that have sent you to counseling are involuntary on her part and they are NOT about you, tho they certainly seem to be.

Also but the book by Woolis called When someone you love has a mental ilness.  You will have better communication w/ her and will not feel so helpless.

Very sorry to make this so short.