How to Cope With a Bipolar Husband's Secrets
Family members and spouses of people with mental illness. such as bipolar disorder, often find it difficult to realize that unwanted behavior, like keeping secrets, is just a symptom of the disease. Loved ones of the mentally ill should work to understand that the unhealthy behavior is not a sign of bad intent, and that often the mentally ill keep secrets in order to protect those they love.
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Instructions
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Evaluate and React
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Before you can seek therapy, you must assess what effects your husband's condition is having on your relationship. Are your husband's secrets causing fights? What kinds of secrets are they?
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Keep track of the times when you are having difficulty with your husband's secrets. Determine why they bother you so much, and realize if your feelings are justified. Are your husband's secrets clearly related to his bipolar disorder, or is there something else causing the behavior?
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Discuss your husband's behavior with him, and see if you can find out why he may not be telling you everything. He may simply be trying to protect you from being affected by his condition. He may also by unaware of his behavior.
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Find counseling for yourself, your husband, or as a couple. Simply discussing issues of your marriage with a third party can be helpful.
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Find a support group for family members of bipolar people. The members of such a group will know what you are going through and can provide valuable first-hand coping advice.
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Tips & Warnings
Many self help books exist for those coping with the mental illness of a family member. Read as many as possible.
Only a qualified professional can make proper diagnosis of mental illness and decide treatment.
