Hi ReRe,

I'm no expert on OCD, but the parking story you wrote about sounds like it may be more of an OCD thing (see below) than a bipolar issue. If at the same time he acted elevated in mood (see below for a list of hypomanic/manic symptoms), then maybe that intensified the situation? One disorder can be exacerbated by another sometimes. Life stresses add to it, as well. He should talk to his doctor, or maybe you could join him for a session?

I have bipolar disorder and it helps that my husband is a tolerant type loving person, and impertubable, for the most part. But he is human.

The urge to yell at an out of control person is always there, but learning more effective and deescalating tactics is best. How knowledgeable about his disorders are you? You know about them, but have you done a good amount of research on them? Have you attended a session with him at his psychiatrist and/or therapist's office? Knowledge helps improve understanding. Just as he needs to learn coping skills for his disorders, you need to learn some for handling, helping, tolerating his.

Have you considered therapy of your own? You write that you believe you may have some mental health issues. You could seek help as a spouse at the same time you discuss your issues. Plus, maybe a therapist would help you cope with your situational challenges, like your job losses and your family's acceptance issues. I can imagine you have a lot of stress because of all of these things. Surely your husband does, too, at least to some degree.

OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Hypomania: Hypomanic Episode Symptoms