I get aggressive but it's not toward other people. I have a very short temper and will punch walls and throw things but it's never directed at other people.

As far as your family understanding your illness, it's hard for them to "get it" if they've never gone through it. I clearly don't know your situation but maybe you're reading into the looks they exchange. Maybe your brain is telling you they're talking about you but they really arent (I always think that myself and it's usually not true). Just a thought, again I don't know your exact situation. I have a situation where I don't tell my family everything that's going on because they can't be supportive because they truly don't understand what I'm talking about. If you haven't lived a bipolar life, you can't truly understand what the bipolar person is going through. As far as rebuilding things with your sons, you just need to be realistic with them. If you work with a therapist maybe they can go to a family session with you and your T can help you explain why mommy needs to go to the hospital sometimes. Assure them that when you have to go away for a while it's not because you don't love them but because you're sick. It's hard though. I don' thave kids myself but in my line of work I see illnesses pull apart families all the time but it seems to happen most with people who don't tell their kids the truth.

I wish you luck with your situation... it's so hard, but hjust take it one step at a time. Take good care!!!