Living with a cyclothymic husband

Hi,

I have been married to my husband for 4 years and knew he was diagnosed as cyclothymic very early in our relationship (6 years ago). Can you tell me if there is a place I can get support for dealing with him? His moods are constantly up and down on a regular basis. I would not have much problem with handling his moods, however when he is stressed and needs to 'vent' he does so in an extremely personal manor which has caused me a lot of pain to have to deal with. The good part on his end is just as quick as it happens he is over it and returning to a normal state of mind. The bad part, the damage from what he says is so hurtful I cannot just let it go. I try, but he takes things to a level that I cannot just 'get over it' after the third episode.

Thanks.

Hi, mnyk9s! Is he having therapy? He needs to do the venting and talking about his feelings in depth and about what bothers him with his therapist, not with you. It's not fair to you and you could let him know that. Is he on medication? He shouldn't be allowed to bully you. You could try to talk to a counselor/therapist too, if it's possible, to help you through this.

Hi mnyk9s!
My husband can certainly relate and feel your pain! The only difference is that we were married for 9 years and I wasn't diagnosed! So he had to deal with my mood swings, walking on egg shells, not sure if I'll snap or burst into tears, struggling with addictions never overcoming.... So different from the woman he "thought" he married! The relief came last summer when I found out I've had cyclothymia. It was traumatic at first to own this "label", but it was also a relief that there were biochemical reasons for my bizarre behavior and extreme emotions! I really caused enormous damage in my relationship with my husband and my two step children. I think Jasmin is giving you awesome advice!! I have a psychologist for talk therapy. She gives me strategies when the symptoms well up within me. And I also see a psychiatrist who is a brilliant chemist. The med cocktail has made an incredible difference in my life. As my husband said, "Baby... living with you now that you've discovered you have this disorder and are taking medication to help manage the symptoms... It's like night and day!" sounds like those are the same results that you desire. Perhaps ask him to read our reponses to your posts. Hopefully he already has taken steps towards managing the symptoms with meds and talk therapy. If not, dear mr. Mnyk9s, these two steps will revolutionize your life! My family put up with so much @!$# and I was too self absorbed to realize how difficult I was to live with. Taking meds does not make you weak minded, quite the opposite, it will help you and your mind will be clearer, your emotions more within your control. Your highs won't be as high and your lows won't be as low... I haven't felt like a zombie or as if it's taken away my personality or my creativity. Your wife is reaching out because she loves you sooo much, our disorder doesn't have to make life for us and those we love painful and almost unbearable. Do whatever it takes for you, your wife and your children (if you have any). I found this website that you'll both find helpful. http://www.corexcel.com/courses3/body.c ... .page4.htm. Hope something here has been helpful : )

@mnyk9s! I see this post is older but hoped that you might still be part of this site.