My life partner has Bipolar ii

No need to be sorry @Peri

Thank you for your message , some great ideas xxx

How are you today my friend

Hi @Shaz51 ,

i am ok, thanks, I feel despondent and sad, but I am ok

peri

Ohhh my @Peri what is wrong my friend xx xxx

I don’t know @Shaz51 ,

ifeel really low, I dread waking each day and am bitterly disappointed when I do.

i want to sleep all the time , I am sick of being cold. I miss my husband, he died many years ago and we had separated, but I miss him

peri

Tender hugs my friend @Peri , sitting with you xoxo

I think lockdown has a lot to do with pur feelings my friend

Ah @Shaz51 ,

no it is not lockdown, I am in WA no lockdown here. And that would not affect me in that way.. it will pass

peri

My husband of 23 years has bipolar2. He is an older man ( 78) and has to come off [removed medication name] which has kept him stable for years as long term use can affect your kidneys and there is a danger of that. We saw a psychiatrist whom I thought was reasonable - quite scientific, however our GP had recommended her because of her ability to find a new drug and get the dosage correct and so on. My husband was furious with her, felt she was 'clinical'. did not establish rapport and so on. She took a full history which again, he was angry about. He is off all medication at the moment and frankly, very difficult. He got angry with me two days ago and is sulky now. He doesn't want to go back on a different medication and says he feels no different and is fine. I can not reason with him. He is extraordinarily sensitive to any perceived rejection at the moment. He gets very rigid with his ideas and tells the same stories over and over - things that anger hom and so on, as if he's stuck in a groove. I am trying to handle him - I love this man and he is a good loving person, and would appreciate any 'tips'.

Hi @Verley 🙂

I am so sorry to hear that it's been a tough time for you and your husband. I can hear that you're doing your best to support him.

I am sure it's very challenging for both of you to navigate this. From my experience, sometimes, we need time to accept big changes to our treatment plans and trust others. I am glad that you have a GP for support. I was wondering if you have any support for yourself during this time - counsellor or psychologist?

That's a good point that he needs time. And I do have a psych I've used in the past and could use again. If you have any other tips I'm open to hearing them. For example, I had to go away for a few days recently and my daughter suggested doing a 'story line' for him which she does for her autistic son to reduce anxiety. It's just a table outlining what will happen and what he might feel - I made it funny and he really LOVED it. Anything practical or a suggested attitude that will help, is very useful.

Wow @Verley , that's very interesting re the story line. Helps reduce the anxiety.

Does you partner like going out? Going for walks might be helpful. I can certainly relate to the upheaval when meds are changed. It can be such a waiting game.

I hope they get it right. Does your partner have support workers or anything?

I used to have a mental health/psychosocial support worker go with me for walks, coffee, beach trips... just to get out and chat. It really helps. Peer Support workers were also very helpful. It's hard to listen to own family members sometimes...