Bipolar, to me, is one of the most threatening disorders there is. Not as a personal threat to others, although this may happen, but as a threat to survival. Where all of the symptoms seem bizarre, the sufferer is fighting to survive and they are reacting to the emotional roller coaster of their disorder. I don't think anyone can understand this, unless they are bipolar. I , also, don't think a tremendous amount of pressure to perform, or change, helps. In fact, it may make things worse. A written set of goals may seem logical, but the demand for this list may only be another stress, which is not needed.

Wasfunonce:
In all of the seperations during my marriage, I've never felt comfortable when my wife wanted to reconcile or start again. It's not that I didn't see changes or feel hope....it's that I couldn't pinpoint the motivation. Otherwise, why the change? I can't see anything that promoted this difference and I'm really nervous about the whole situation. It adds to the discomfort that is already there. It's not a good feeling, but it's a starting point.

I know that things have changed. One big change is me. I don't immediately react anymore, which has really made a difference. I have a better perspective of what's happening. Due to this, I know that I can make a huge difference if I calmly examine what happens and patiently make suggestions without demands. It's easy for me to judge and demand, but it's hard to accept this will never work and the only way things will ever change is if I change my attitude about my wife's disorder. She's fighting to survive and live. I'm fighting to help and support. Somewhere, I hope, we can find the right methods - that will always work - so we can enjoy our time together. No, every day isn't roses and violens, but every day is a learning experience. What's best: I'm sharing my life with my wife again. She's trying....I'm trying and we have a common goal.

Follow your heart.