[jpb4815]

My wife moves out for our trial separation on Friday, she will be initially gone for a week, then we will go to 4 days with kids, 3 days without. Alternating weeks.
I can handle my kids and the day to day because I have to. But when they go to bed I am scared, I don't do well alone. I either get depressed, or I stop taking meds and ge hypo/manic. I cannot afford to go IP again.
How do I come up with a plan to stay well during this difficult time, I will be bouncing from full time dad, to solitary living, and back to having kids.
My normal support team I get the feeling is tired of dealing with this issue.

[Coffeee]

Being alone is hard. I'd make sure to keep taking your meds regularly, for the kids. As for sleeping alone, bring anything that gives you comfort, sometimes I let my dog on the bed when I'm alone ect. Play some music as you go to sleep, just try to fill the silence. Maybe you can call a friend before bed? Or go to a different place for now, such as the couch instead of a big ol empty bed. That's what my husband does when I travel.

[cincidak]

I keep my meds organized in a seven day pill minder, and a one day/night pill minder. I take my morning meds with a glass of water in my bedroom as soon as I'm done brushing my teeth. Then I put my afternoon meds, and evening meds for the day in the day/night pill minder. I also have an app on my tablet, and my phone that I downloaded from the Google Play store called "Carezone". It let's me Scan, or type in new meds, the directions, date filled ectopic
It reminds me when it's time to take my meds. I now rarely miss a dose of my meds. I have found that structure, and keeping a schedule has really helped me become more stable. I hope this helps.

Do you have pets? If not, I'd look at fostering rather than buying one. Maybe help keep your mind off things when you're alone, and something for the kids to play with when they're with you?

[jpb4815]

I have pets, they bring a little joy. We cannot handle the stress of a dog, so that is out. Eating would help. I have not eaten in two days. going to my IOP instead of hiding under the covers would help also. I make bad decisions. Last night my wife told me that we have a mistress in our relationship, my disease, she does not know if she can live with that. I am confused, I do not know if I want t live with her if she cannot accept me.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

All I can say is be strong. Hang in there. Take this time apart for personal growth and don't obsess. Get good sleep. Eat. Go to your iop please. And we're always here for you. PM whenever you need. ((Hugs))

[Nammu]

Maybe try a body pillow?

[wildflowerchild25]

It's a huge adjustment to suddenly be alone after years of having someone with you. I still struggle even though my husband has been dead for over a year. I just had to get through it. I struggle the most at night. But I play tv shows or podcasts on my phone so I have other people's voices to listen to and that helps a bit.

[mjw24]

Originally Posted by jpb4815

My wife moves out for our trial separation on Friday, she will be initially gone for a week, then we will go to 4 days with kids, 3 days without. Alternating weeks.
I can handle my kids and the day to day because I have to. But when they go to bed I am scared, I don't do well alone. I either get depressed, or I stop taking meds and ge hypo/manic. I cannot afford to go IP again.
How do I come up with a plan to stay well during this difficult time, I will be bouncing from full time dad, to solitary living, and back to having kids.
My normal support team I get the feeling is tired of dealing with this issue.

Try cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps us rationalize and organize our thoughts.

[OctobersBlackRose]

(((Hugs)))

[Wild Coyote]

Hope the weekend went okay, despite challenges.

[jpb4815]

yeah I made it, it was tough at times but I got through.

[whoamihere]

Originally Posted by jpb4815

I have pets, they bring a little joy. We cannot handle the stress of a dog, so that is out. Eating would help. I have not eaten in two days. going to my IOP instead of hiding under the covers would help also. I make bad decisions. Last night my wife told me that we have a mistress in our relationship, my disease, she does not know if she can live with that. I am confused, I do not know if I want t live with her if she cannot accept me.

That seems like an unfair comparison. A mistress is something you choose, BP in definitely not a choice

[newtothis31]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I went through a divorce in 2014 because my ex-husband couldn't handle my bipolar diagnosis, and we simply grew apart. It's been a tough adjustment to make and the first year was absolute hell.
I would definitely set up an alarm to remind yourself to take meds. Even non-bipolar people have an extremely tough time with divorce- it is considered one of the most stressful life events for a reason.
So the best thing you can do is to learn to accept yourself. I've found the Divorce101 support group on facebook to be a lifeline. On days I don't have my daughter, I take long walks and I've tried to make myself go out to meetup groups.
CBT may also be a good option- I went through therapy during my first year of divorce. While it didn't feel helpful at the time, it did help me work through a tough period of my life without relapsing post diagnosis.
Hugs