I am also newly diagnosed. I've been bipolar since I was 16 and i'm 36. My last breakdown lasted almost 9 months and I can only describe it as Jeckyll & Hyde. I only got diagnosed because I tried to take my life. I'm here by the grace of God. My husband doesn't understand my illness as a disease and has pulled away from me thinking I did everything on purpose. How do I get him to see this as an illness and I acted in a severe mania and psychosis? how do I get through to him before I lose my family and our 5,4 &3 year old and the man I love with all my heart? Can anyone give me advice?