Manic depression, also referred to as bipolar disorder, is a serious mental illness that affects your husband's mental and physical well-being. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, this disease is characterized by frequent shifts in mood and energy levels. You may notice that your husband feels depressed and hopeless one day and full of energy and excited the next. People with bipolar disorder often have an inflated sense of self, talk fast and seem jumpy and change to feeling sluggish and sad within hours or days. Your husband may also have specific moods for an extended period of time instead of changing on a daily basis.
Step 1
Inform yourself about bipolar disorder. Find information through the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder is an extremely serious illness with severe symptoms. The extreme shifts in mood and energy level characteristic to bipolar disorder can make your husband seem like a different person every day. It is difficult to live with someone who is bipolar. Learning the symptoms and characteristics of this illness will help you know what to expect.
Step 2
Make an appointment for your husband to see his doctor. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it may be necessary for you to call to make the appointment and go with your husband to talk to his doctor. The only way to manage and treat bipolar disorder is through medication and therapy. He may initially resist your attempts to help, but be gentle yet persistent.
Step 3
Write down a list of your husband's symptoms. Make the list with your husband and ask him to tell you about specific feelings and emotions he experiences. It is important to include information, such as the type and duration of each symptom, whether he has trouble sleeping and how often he has this trouble. Bring the list to the doctor.
Step 4
Ask your husband's doctor to discuss the type of medication and treatment he recommends with both of you. Your husband will most likely have to give his consent to this if he wants you to be informed, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. However, it is important for you to know the type of medication he takes and contact information for his treatment provider in case of an emergency.
Step 5
Get support from others. Join a support group for friends and family members of people with bipolar disorder. You can usually find these groups at hospitals or at a local mental health organization. You can also find an online or in-person support group through the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
Step 6
Invite your husband to do something enjoyable. Although it may seem like the illness is controlling both of your lives, it's important to have occasional distractions. You can still enjoy doing things together. Go for a walk in a nearby park or by the beach, or go out to dinner or see a movie.
