Fabulous article. Yes, the spouse of a bipolar sufferer is a hero. I have done heroic things, and yes the successful relationships are partnerships where the spouse gets something valuable in return for care. The spouse has to have the power to make the bipolar person take medications, and has to work with the doctor. There is a tremendous sacrifice, but if someone with bipolar disorder is your true love, you make it.

This is good advice, but if it was stated in stronger terms, it might be even better. There are few illnesses as devastating as bipolar disorder and it's very, very difficult to live with -- for both sufferer and spouse. It often brings poverty if the person can't work for long periods of time, and dealing with government benefits is a huge stressor too; all this on top of the anger, irritability, irrationality and other behavioral challenges often pushes marriages to the breaking point. A spouse must almost be a saint to save the relationship in many cases.

Excellent advice, the caregiver can't be a rock of Gibraltar all the time. Caregivers need to realize they too have needs, and when times are good honesty is always the best policy, let the spouse know how you feel. This is an excellent article teaching caregivers how to not only care for the spouse but to care for themselves as well.