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Manic Depressive? How can you tell?

I've been almost positive, for years, that my husband (48 y.o) is bipolar. No matter what I say, he insists he is NOT, tho' he has a HUGE history of various mental illnesses (including schizophrenia) in his family.

He alternates wildly between depressive behavior (tho' he's on an Zoloft), such as staying in bed all day, not doing things he knows he should, avoiding his family, etc., vs. suddenly becoming VERY animated, talking really fast AND LOUD, not making much sense, and having spasmodic body movements like tapping his feet and slapping his hands on furniture.

Does this guy sound bipolar and if so, how can I convince him to get help?

Update:

Thanks to those who responded! Yes, he IS seeing a counselor, but somehow, he manages to "trick" them into thinking he's NOT bipolar. I know this can happen, as I've see it in action in a woman I know: one minute she's in a rage, but when the cops show up, it's a total 180.

As for hubby, I've talked about his condition many times and he just gets angry and/or avoids it! I'm at my wit's end...

4 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It sounds like he is already seeing a mental health professional if he has a script for zoloft. The psychiatrist should recognize these symptoms for what they are, unless your husband is downplaying them. One issue with bipolar illnesses is many times the person will not want to go on medication because they do not want to lose the "manic" states. These manic phases can become addictive almost- the sufferer can feel "high", more creative, able to "think on their feet" and dea

    It definitely sounds like he has bipolar I. Unfortunately it can be difficult for the person with the illness to see it.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    In maximum cases, someone that's Bipolar, actually needs to renowned that there'll consistently be somebody that they are in a position to speak to. I say this because of the fact, people who do no longer understand this sickness tend to no longer opt to " get entangled". this could scare alot of people. it would look that, in you, confronting him it perhaps extra because of the fact he's scared. He won't be known to having being supportive. Or, however, the vanishing act ( which i'm guessing happens regularly) could desire to be that he does not want a exact courting, sorry. those with Bipolar have concern in conserving relationships. He must be evaluated via a expert and probable needs to take medicine. the concern with Bipolar, they could initiate on a drugs(s) yet, whilst they sense extra suitable, they supply up taking the medicine. somewhat uncomplicated with Bipolar personalities. regrettably, there is not any thank you to renowned how he's thinking/feeling. Ease up on attempting to touch him, yeah, extra handy pronounced than accomplished. yet, why get your self " injury " because of the fact your tries to touch him are actually not being met. there is likewise the possibility that there is something else happening. The vanishing act could properly be because of the fact of alternative reasons. yet, you recognize him extra suitable than all of us else. the final suggestion that i will think of of, is which you will chill out and enable him touch you. that's no longer honest to you which you attempt to be supportive, he's no longer responding to your call, and you sense injury. i desire that this helps and good success. Ruth

  • 1 decade ago

    Yes, he does sound bipolar. He is not going to want to get help unless he feels a need for it. If it bothers you and is causing problems in your marriage, tell him how you feel.

  • Yuu
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    try some taking therapy or CBT, have he tried that? here is a web for your reference as well, search of different options:

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