Bettering yourself, in any respect, is always a good thing. I understand the "sign up manic and fail out depressed' syndrome. It took me a year and a half extra to finish up my master's degree ( literally had 2 classes left) because of my depression and how out of control it was. My teachers judged me very harshly, telling me to keep going, but I knew I wasn't able to.

The break was beneficial and a necessity. I got my degree with a 3.9GPA no less (I'm proud I took the time to finish when I was ready to, it saved my GPA (which I cared about a lot back then)).
My point is -- if you or your husband absolutely have to stop -- do NOT feel like a failure. You have to take a pause sometimes in life and re-align yourself to your goals. Sadly us BP folks have to do that more than others. I am rooting for you guys from the sidelines! Taking the challenge on is a step further than many will go, and perserverence doesn't have to be without pauses. Just don't lose sight of it!