Hi I'm new to this site and desperate to connect with others in this situation.  My husband of 20 years was 'finally' diagnosed with bipolar this spring after his ever-worsening behavior almost sent both of us over the edge.  He started to get more aggressive and at one point scared me and the kids so bad that i had to get family services involved.  I told him that he had to get a professional diagnosis and councelling otherwise he would have to move out.     My children are ages 17, 13, and 9.  I think the type of manic you describe is the same that he has.  it is not as severe and he has been able to hold down a steady job and provide well for us.  However, living with him has been hellishly difficult;  I have always refered to him as Dr. Jeckle/Mr. Hyde.  He is amazingly talented musically and artistically, as am I, and we share a beautiful connection on many levels creatively, emotionally and philisophically.  But his horrible fluctuating moods, lashing out, anger and frusteration with the most benign things and self- hatred has threatened the very core of our relationship.   We are now working together with a councellor to try and make sense of things but I have reached a point where I feel I can no longer cope.  I struggle with wanting out, needing more, desiring stability, having my most basic and simplist needs met.  I feel lonely and know that i deserve better;  I also grew up with a Schitzophrenic brother who took his life so I have lived with mental illness and the fallout and stigma my whole life so it's hard not to feel bitter and completely overwhelmed.     Still I try to think positively, live in the moment, give my spouse space and understanding and he has been working very hard on cognitive and medical therapy.  The worst is that as he gets better and moves on I have felt  such overpowering resentment ;  I feel like I'm being left behind in a wake of destruction.  Now my eldest child who is very angry and very disappointed with his dad, is exhibiting signs of the illness and is acting out.   I will be happy to correspond with you as I have been learning to manage my stress more and if anyone can lend a hand, any thoughts of inspiration, words of wisdom, understanding....please.