in Mamas with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders

Bipolar disorder

I have bipolar disorder my spouse is aware of it. he does notice when my moods switch. He’s very supportive but I don’t think he really understands how it works. It’s like he tries to cheer me up or do things to make me laugh which then makes it worse. Or either he thinks I’m upset with him and chooses not to talk to me at times. Instead of just comforting me. Sometimes I feel like I cater more to him then he does to me which has been a big thing for me. I also brought that to his attention. He’s a heavy set guy about 400 pounds and I lift him up feed his ego constantly just make him feel loved but when I’m having a episode I get nothing like a “would you like to talk about it “ “ are you ok “ are you having a episode. I feel like I pour more into him then he does to me. The least I want is just some attention when I'm down or someone who will listen. It just seems like it's one-sided .

Show your support

Maybe ask him to look into it a bit more so he can support you more. It's not easy for either of you mostly when he doesn't fully understand. I've only recently known about bipolar is I'm doing a course if I didn't do that I wouldn't of known anything about it. Its good that he's trying at least! A lot of people wouldn't bother so I'm sure he will be more then happy to look into ways to help or help you cope with it.

has he ever asked how he can help, or have you ever outright told him?

Education about it is the key 🔑. I do have Bipolar, too. My husband just asked me: Do you want to talk or let it go for now? Because I get tired to back and forth the same issue over and over again. Normally, I say, I'm in that sad episode, I will be fine, nothing personal, I will handle it. Or, if I am still overthinking, I bring the conversation out in the moment when we are alone without distractions, and he can pay attention to me. He just listens and gives me some opinions. If he thinks he should, sometimes he just listens, and that is enough for me, then I feel better. This condition is very hard, but he should know that you are on one of the episodes and he understands. But he should read about it.

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