I am 47 and have been diagnosed for about a year now. My wife seen the symptoms and was right. I had a nervous breakdown soon after that. I am in treatment to find the right dose of medication and therapy to learn how to cope with my disorder.
Until recent events I didn’t take this disorder seriously. I stopped taking my meds 3 weeks ago and I became a bear. My wake up call came when I raised my fist to my 19 year old stepdaughter last week. It was out of character for me because of the love I have for her. I moved out that night and have vowed to myself to do anything I have to in order to be stable and no longer a threat to anyone.

My wife for 8 years is mad at the situation now. She is mad at me too. The Bipolar problems I have brought with me now exhausts her and is causing her to question our future together. My stepdaughter is scared to death of me and is afraid to live under the same roof. I’ve seen my doctor and therapist, explained what I’ve done and am back on all my meds.

My other problem is I was obsessed with what my stepdaughter was doing. Questioning if she was always telling the truth and conducting herself like a lady. I love my wife more than a man can love a woman and am so afraid of having messed things up for good. Someone tell me how do I assure my daughter she is safe from my disorder and how do I give my wife the hope and comfort she needs. That through medication and therapy I’m going to be ok again. I don’t want this disorder to ruin me or my marriage. Please help