Hi Jaimmie,

You pose a complex question. Your bipolar is just a facet of your relationship, which, by the sounds of things includes children. You must surely appreciate that relationships are built up over years and the bonds that form during this time are important and significant to all people involved.

You clearly appreciate your wife. I'm guessing she has chosen to stick with you during some difficult times. Walking away may be more devasting to her and the family than you might imagine and it's unlikely to do you any good. There may be many practical and emotional reasons why this would be an inappropriate course of action for all concerned.

Living with bipolar isn't easy and your wife will know this only too clearly. Keep the faith. Speak to your wife about how you are feeling. Trust her and rely on what you have developed together as a family to keep yourself focused. It sounds like you may have reached a bit of an emotional slump and this is always a sensitive time. It can be difficult to think about the positives but I urge you to try.

Finally, your awareness that your medication isn't 100 per cent suggests this may be an important issue in how you are feeling. It sounds like a visit to your doctor is on the cards. Better sooner than later.