First of all:
Nasus, Ruth, Leen, Pookie, MamaJ, Jenni...anyone else I missed, Thanks sooooo much for you prayers and positive thoughts. I just reread my last post and I can't believe how much better I feel today!
Just to let you know. I am very hopeful about this whole thing (BTW, he moved out Tues.) Hopeful we can work this out and come back together better than ever.
Here's where I need you smart chicks (and maybe those not so smart ) A LOT of our problems are caused by his mental illness.
He is Bi-Polar. Our first seperation was 10 years ago when he refused to be medicated. He then got on Prozac and it helped. Over the years though it's been helping less and less and his rages have gotten more frequent. He's trying different meds to no avail.
I want to find a support group (like this) that I can talk with others involved with a partner with a mental illness. I don't have AOL anymore. So finding message boards is hard.
Got any links?
(While I love you guys and appreciate your support, I want to keep you for my dieting buddies! )

Try this message board: http://my.webmd.com/roundtable_topic/138

I hope this helps. Bless you, my friend.

Lee

Hi Mum2five,

I cannot offer any suggestions for resources for your dh's condition. But I do want to say your words today seem so much more positive than your last post. Sounds like you are doing well.

My continued prayers for you and your dear family,

jenny

Hey Renee,

You know what? I don't have any links, but I do have a suggestion that is a little different for your hubby. There is an herbal supplement called SAM-e that works almost the same way that St. John's Wort does, but is much more effective. There is a link to it on msn, but I don't know the address.

I believe my dh is bi-polar as well and this helps him tremendously. It has been used in Europe (especially Italy) for years very successfully. You can find it at GNC and other vitamin type stores.

Just a suggestion for him. But, also, don't forget that YOU don't make him happy, he needs to do that for himself. Also, YOU are the creator of your own destiny.

Good luck and all our prayers.
Jenniwookei

Glad to hear you sounding better and feeling more positive about things. Every marriage has it's rough times and I guess this is one of those times for both of you. I don't have any links, just some words of encouragement and hope that you are able to find the right help you need. By any chance are there any support groups in your area? Does your dh actively see a psychiatrist and could he/she recommend any places to go to for info or for another type of medication? Just throwing these out in hopes of helping you!

Renee~So glad you are feeling much better. How are the kids?

I don't really know any links regarding bi-polar specifically, but I too am into alternative medicines. There is a local doctor here in Houston that has a radio talk show and a website. I just signed up for his catelog and once he gets relocated plan on visiting him for my horrible mood swings and female stuff.

I'm like the others, just a suggestion but here is the url

hotzehealth-wellness.com

Just food for thought--

My son and his (separated) wife felt that she may be bi polar but she would never go for evaluation. They've been separated for nine months, she's calling him and FINALLY has started going to the doctor. There's hope

My brother and his EX of 2.5 yrs~~They were married for 16 yrs and she has always had horrible "outbursts". My brother called me Monday (he lives in SC) to let me know that after all these years and divorced for 2.5 yrs she finally went to the doctor for evaluation and is wanting a second chance.

There is hope. But there is also continuing life. I wish and pray for you and your family the best.

Janice

Hi Renee,

How about asking your local hospital. Most hospitals offer free or really cheep support groups OR they might know of a local place that can offer exactly what you need. Also, call your local Churches, you'd be surprised what they can offer....some times also free and/or cheep. If they don't offer ask them if they can recommend anyplace that does.

I know that your body can get used to a drug......did they try to increase the dosage that your husband is on or is he at the max?
I was on Prozac for about 6 months after the sudden passing of my sister. And yes it did help for that brief period but after I went off it I was still depressed (thats the main cause for my weight gain...depression). ANYHOOO

Hang in there and don't give up hope.
Love, Leens