Thank you, Gemma!

Thank you, Mike!

Thank you, Anna...it's feedback like this that lets me know I'm doing the right thing by not only supporting my wife in the ways that I do, but also by reaching out to others to let people know that it IS possible to have a loving, successful marriage/relationship even if bipolar disorder is present. Thank you and I wish you all the best and luck.

Thank you for posting, Michael.

Your concerns are both valid and common within a Bipolar Relationship. It can indeed by difficult to be on the receiving end of an episode driven outburst, or otherwise, but as a supporter, please try to keep in mind that your loved one is going through a lot, and although you're being hit with the shrapnel, in most cases, this is a way for our loved ones to deal with the internal noise and pain that they are dealing with.

Try to learn about your fiance's triggers and what situations may indeed fire them. Although you may not be able to avoid them, you can at least learn the patterns and prepare yourself better.

For my children, I am completely open and honest with them. My wife supports this and even works with them to help them understand as well and it can really help bind the family together even more when we discuss these things.

Giving in may be a defense mechanism, for yourself...I've been there myself and to this day, there are times where I still just give in as to move forward if I feel that the fight is not worth picking. However, this may be essentially enabling your fiance to manipulate you if you really don't agree with something and you may also be weakening your own mental foundation as well. Set boundaries and keep them in place even if it feels difficult in the beginning.

Take care and thanks again for commenting. -Rich

Thanks for commenting, hidden trauma can be very detrimental as more times than not, it sneaks up and hits you when you last expect it.

Anna, the hope is to remind yourself and truly believe that YOU are not the source of the evil. You are also not the illness, the illness is a part of you, but don't let it define who you really are.

Thank you for commenting, Chloe.

Hi Julia. I'm assuming (and forgive me if I'm incorrect) that you mean the meds that he is taking is affecting his libido? If yes, we have been there and it can indeed affect self-esteem and anxiety. As important as the physical connection can be in the relationship, it is critical during such challenges that the emotional aspect is enhanced and it will eventually balance out.

My pair 'o' pennies, anyway. Thanks for posting, Julia!

Thank you so much for posting and for the kind words, they are truly appreciated and I do wish you and your family all the best.

Great to hear that things have turned around, Nick! Thanks again for sharing.