It's tough. My pdoc would say she's not your therapist. Which is harsh, but true. For support at home, what do you need? If it's time for relaxing hobbies then I think you absolutely deserve it and she needs to work with you on being flexible.

On the bipolar mood stuff? Therapist may be your best bet and come here. It may be too heavy for her or she just wants to be your wife, not your therapist. Having a loving, healthy relationship is support. Ask her to come to pdoc appts with you so she can stay in the loop. Be firm and say you need this.

Her educating herself on bipolar disorder is important. Local support groups often welcome the support person to accompany their partner.

It would be good for her to know med changes can be tough. You may be sleepier etc for a bit. That's where pdoc appts can especially help.

Giving her a copy of Surviving Manic Depression by E. Fuller Tolley, M.D. and An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison, PhD are good.

I don't know if this helps. My ex wasn't supportive but he simply couldn't accept the fact I developed bipolar disorder. Hence, he's my ex. If your spouse accepts you unconditionally, I think you can work through this so it is feasible for both of you. A family therapist familiar with bipolar may help facilitating support for you.

I keep editing to add lol

Overall, it is most important, I think, for you not to be judged. She needs to not judge you for "being bipolar." You're more than your illness. You didn't ask for this. Staying healthy as you can is all you can do, I think. A therapist can help you with this issue a lot. Ask your therapist for your "Bill of Rights"...they will have a copy. Read it. Believe it.

I wish I had magic words. I do get support now but I'm ... not with my unsupportive ex. I hope your spouse comes around. She won't "get it" like we do - but a partner CAN be supportive. Just plain being ACCEPTED as we are is critical.

Good luck. Keep us posted.