My wife was recently diagnosed as bipolar, but it has been coming on for the last 12 years.  Started noticing the irritibality and depression, but was told I was making it up.  She tried going to the Ob/gyn, did hormones, but no good.  Finally went to a Psych and was on numerous antidepressants until she flipped out and spent two weeks in the hospital.  I am so tired and burned out.  Have started my own antidepressant.  I feel better, but am tired of being "on call" all the time; ready to respond to the next swing, handle the next emergency.  I pad the budget for when the spending sprees happen, and am nervous when she goes shopping.  I feel like a single parent to the kids, but now with a dysfunctional one thrown in, too.  I go to work so I can have adult conversations without all the emotions and unexpected drama.  While I am pleased with the care my wife has gotten, I am disappointed as to the support the caregiver gets.  I am about at the end of my rope, emotionally.  I don't know if this is typical of a BP caregiver's story, but it is my story, so far...