Peanut: My husband suffers from chronic depression, so I can relate somewhat. Also, have a good friend who's 20 yr. old son is bipolar, so understand some of the difficulties loving someone with this condition. The best advice I can give you is that you attend your husband's psych doc's appts. and if possible, when the counselor recommends it, his regular counseling sessions as well. The purpose is to help support him as a TEAM. Doctor, counselor, family. This really helped my husband. His doctor likes it when I attend with him and encourages it. I don't interfer but interject when it seems appropriate. Also, two sets of ears is better than one when it comes to understand meds, etc. Also, for your children, depending upon their age. Begin to educate them, age appropriately, about dad's illness. If you don't they will feel shame attached to it and they or you or dad shouldn't be ashamed as this is a medical conditon that will take the understanding of the whole family. There are wonderful web sites out there to help you understand this illness. Don't give up on him. You will be able to take one step at a time and do well.. j.
