My heart goes out to you. I'm bipolar and I've put my husband through hell. Mostly from being morbidly depressed and not wanting to do anything. I finally got help from a pdoc and meds, and my quality of life is much better, for myself and my husband too. Thank god there are no children in the picture to complicate things.

I don't know if your wife has another issue besides bipolar. My sister is bipolar and untreated, she's also alcoholic. I feel sorry for her but also her husband. She insists that she has a right to live her life as she she's fit. True to some extent, but she parties and drinks, has affairs and just in general lives a self destructive life in front of her children.

Her husband does everything to keep that family going. Works full time, cares for the children, grocery shops, cooks, handles the laundry, etc. Sister surfs the internet, smokes and drinks until the wee hours. Then when she's especially manic, she's starts destroying things, furniture, TVs, computers, potted plants.

He had her hospitalized against her will once, and she hates him for it. I see his point of view though. He has children to think of.

Your wife may take mental illness and treatment off the table. But you have every right to put it back ON the table. It's your life too. Perhaps you could try going to therapy together. She can share her point of view but you can and have a right to share your point of view and how her behavior is effecting your life and the life of your children.

I hope your family can get help. You all deserve it.