I would suggest you try to get your wife into therapy. It will serve the purpose of having someone to talk to, and it's better than a friend because therapists are trained to counteract negative self-talk, etc and help the person find ways to be more realistic about themselves.

It's admirable of you to stick by her -- lots of "significant others," whether married or not, flee when depression comes into the picture.

Alcohol is a depressant, so you might want to help her avoid drinking.

There is more than one variety of bipolar, btw, so she might still be so. I rarely get fully manic, but I'm still bipolar.

Good luck -- PM if I can be of more help.

Candy