[noah_and_daddy_care]

Within the last 6 months, my wife was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder after being hospitalized a year ago for a week after attempting to hurt herself. I have never been one to deal with my own feelings at all and had a very difficult time being supportive of my wife.

I began to see a counselor of my own in August to get past my own hang-ups and work at being a much better supportive spouse. As a result of seeing a counselor, I have been diagnosed with depression and am taking Celexa for treatment. My wife is struggling right now and has been feeling very hopeless about never feeling any better than she does now.

In addition, my wife and I are raising a very energetic 2 1/2 year old son and I am worried about answering his questions about his momma's health when he gets older.

I have a job I don't particularly like but am blessed in having a wife and son that love me very much.

Just looking for others' thoughts about keeping the importance of my family and my wife's needs at the forefront and keeping everything else in perspective.

I appreciate anyone's thoughts and experiences.

[Blue Krik]

I won't claim to know much about the situation you're in, because it's one that needs so much hope and faith and I'm particularly bad at those two. But, I do think you've been quite good at coping with everything, despite having been diagnosed with depression. It needs courage and strength to be able to think about your significant other when you have to deal with problems of your own.

I guess I say that because I find it hard to not get wrapped up in my own head and forget about others. Maybe I'm a little selfish, who knows.

My opinion is that you should constantly remind your wife that she has an amazing person standing by her through good and bad times, and a wonderful son who will eventually grow up and be sad because his mom is in pain. Children feel when their parents aren't well, because the relationship of protectiveness goes both ways. Your wife will slowly feel better, it just needs tons of patience and lots of love. And from what I read here, you seem to have a firm grasp on both of those concepts.

Good luck with everything.
And just know that you have plenty of people supporting you, right here.

[justfloating]

hi noah, welcome to PC

I just wanted to say that it sounds like you're handling things very well. It's great that you got counselling and medication and are dealing with your problems up front. I know how scary that is, so GOOD FOR YOU!

As for your son, I'm not sure ... I don't have any kids so I'm not exactly qualified to give advice, but from my own parents I've learned that no matter what's going on in their lives, they always made sure to stress how much they loved us and how that love would never change, no matter what was happening. If mom is sick, your son will probably notice eventually, but I think -- with a mood disorder especially -- it will be most important to stress that she is just SICK, that sometimes people get sick, and that it's nobody's fault and all you can do in those situations is love them and know they love you back.

Good luck. Once again, kudos on all you've been doing so far.