my story is this....seems I'm not alone

I have been a caregiver to my 16 year old bipolar son.  I know it's not easy.  We've been pretty lucky in the fact that he's stayed out of trouble so far.  He did some self-medicating last year but wasn't caught with it and as far as I know he hasn't done anything recently to get himself arrested.  The good thing is that neither I or my husband have it so we are better able to deal with seeking treatment and doing what we have to do financially to make it work.  I'm pretty sure you can get child support and possible alimony from her as she's been the primary breadwinner.  She will also be responsible for a good portion of the debts that were incurred during the marriage.  If I were you, I'd get a good lawyer and prepare for court.

I'm sitting here wondering how to reply to your post, words are not running only my tears. I understand the love you feel for your family. I know the awful pain associated with this depleating mental illness. You see I too have had this all my life. I went through my first marriage for twelve years. There was so much anger and violance along with lack of proper diagnosis. Life was hell. We produced two children, one has bi-polar.The other suffers from post tramatic syn. neither will seek help. It hurts so bad to see what they go through with me,but they never give up. GOD put a very special man in my life fifteen years ago and yes we have made it thus far. I would like you to know that the anger,violance and the emotional battering went into remission until about a year or so ago. I had my bad times still. Five suicide attempts and eight hospitaliztions.Then about seven years ago my world started turning around I gave up on the suicide because my cloest friend and most special savior is not going to let the devil take me out that way.

I'm proud to hear that you tried to give the love and understanding to your wife but like my Morris says whatever you do "just don't take it personal". We all have to take responsibilty for our actions sooner or later. I believe there are three aspects to all of this.Who we are apart from our illness, our illness and what is the spirtual part of it. We can live somewhat sane if we want too. Meds., education and our medical people can all work for the good with us if there is total compliance.

Aside from all of this I want you to know that whoever you are someone is praying for you and your family and i know MY FATHER HEARS MY PRAYERS.