My husband & bipolar disorder

Hello, I am new at this and I am in need of support from people who understand what bipolar disorder is. My husband has this & it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever had to deal with. He is now back in jail once again this will be the 3rd time. He will probably end up getting prison time again. He was on medication (Resperdal) and it was making him worse, so he quite taking it. I really do not think prison is going to help him, I think he needs to be in a mental facility where he can get the proper medication & be evaluated to make sure the medication is going to work or he will never get better & neither will I having to deal with his rages and abusive behavior, well you know what I mean. I know there is no cure, but is there a medicine that really does work for this disorder? Is there any place I can call to get him the help that he needs? I really do not know where to turn any more. Somtimes when my husband swings into one of his moods, I feel like I am going to end up with a nervous breakdown or end up in a mental facility myself. Please advise me on this matter, it is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Lisa,

I am new at this and I am in need of support

I too am new at this. My husband is 33 & was diagnosed with Bipolar with psychotic features after being committed almost 3 weeks ago. Being a paramedic, I knew a little about Bipolar & other mental illnesses. But I only understood them form an emergency aspect. I quickly found out that wasn’t very much.

it has been one of the most difficult things I have ever had to deal with.I feel like I am going to end up with a nervous breakdown or end up in a mental facility myself.

I know how you feel. It is unexplainable the array of feelings you are going through. I've sat & cried for hours on end; I've found peace & understanding; I've screamed, yelled & even almost kicked the dog! (Not really, I wouldn't kick our dog; but throwing things is a different story.) Alot of times, especially when other life issues arise (i.e.; broke car, broke truck, broke checkbook...), I too feel like I'm going to crack.

He is now back in jail once again this will be the 3rd time. I really do not think prison is going to help him, I think he needs to be in a mental facilit

Lucky for us, the FBI understood Honey needed help & not jail. Although depending on him & his treatment, they could still charge him.

but is there a medicine that really does work for this disorder? Is there any place I can call to get him the help that he needs?

How long has your husband been diagnosed with Bipolar? Who does he see to regulate his meds? Does he stay on his meds? Has he ever been an inpatient at a mental facility? Do you/he know of the support resources in your area?
I know these seem like a bunch of questions. I understand why you may not want to reveal too much about his illness. I am the same way. It kinda feels like I am betraying his privacy when I “say too much.” But I had to realize that in order for me to get help; I have to explain my situation. I am not being disloyal to my husband by discussing his illness with people who know & understand our situation.

First, talk with your husband’s attorney/public defender & explain everything about his mental health. Together, ya’ll can try to get him mental health help. If the attorney doesn’t help & you can’t afford a private attorney, you may want to look into petitioning the court to have him committed. Commitment is not something one goes into lightly. However, given yall’s situation, it would be to his benefit to be in a hospital instead of jail.
There is a wonderful organization called NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). They are a wealth of support & information. Here is a link to their home page: http://www.nami.org/ You can search for your state from there or Google NAMI your state.
In my state, we have a county run organization called Value Options. Check to see if your county/parish has such a group.

I hope I have helped you. Just know this, you are not alone. Go to a NAMI support group, go to your church, go to yall’s family & friends. You do not have to bear the brunt of this on your own. It has only been 3 weeks but, I am talking to you through my experiences & mistakes. You have taken a step in the right direction by coming to this forum to seek support. I am very proud of you. I know it takes a lot to ask complete strangers for help. Keep your chin up & your faith strong. If you would like to see where I started, you can read my post “lost in my tears.”
I will keep you & your husband in my prayers. You can pm me any time if you would like. I am not the most knowledgeable or experienced but I can listen & offer support.

Bev

Thank you so much for replying to my message. It brought tears to my eyes. To answer your questions, at this time my husband does not see a anyone for his disorder and is not on any medication at this time. He has never been an impatient in a mental facility, though I know in my heart this is what he needs! So far I have gotten no support except from you & am not sure if there is any around where he is at. He is 4 hours away from me in jail in Mongomery County Jail in Hillsboro, Ill. We had recently moved to Buffalo, MO which is where I am at now. All alone of course. I do not know anyone here at all really, therfore I feel like I have no where to turn. So how did you go about getting the FBI to understand your husbands illness & get him into a mental facility that way. How can I make the courts understand his problem. Actually I have tried this before & it didn't work out. They sent him to prison anyway. Yes, we have an attourney that we are paying $6,500.00 for and so far all he can tell me is that the case is a coin toss, we could either win or lose. Not the news I wanted to hear! I will definately check out the web-site link and I really hope they can do something for me & my husband. Thank you so much for the tip & if you have anything else to bring my way to assist in our situation, it will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to call me, please feel free to do so if that is allowed. My number is: 417-345-8151. Where are you located? Thanks again for your support.