Caring for my wife : Newly diagnosed Bipolar

[Kimberly _2205]

Hello everyone

Well what can I say it’s been a really tough year. Y wife became unwell over lockdown and I never seen the warning signs, having worked in the field for 15 years I must have been in denial. But she finally hit breaking point wound up being sectioned for 5 weeks. It’s been a really tough time for her but I can see improvements. It’s incredibly difficult because the person I once married is no longer the same person. She’s on an anti psychotic and a mood stabilizer which has seriously calmed her down. Although she has now started to help a bit more around the house and do things like cooking and cleaning. I find it very hard to get her to leave the house or even sit outside in the garden with me. I think a lot of it is negative symptoms. But I’m struggling with it all and I don’t have family as I am from the states so am feeling really isolated and alone with everything. I would love to meet with other people in the same position. Just feel it would be really helpful to be able to get support from people who are going through the same thing.
Any advice, support or meet ups would be greatly appreciated. I just hope things improve and I can get my wife back again.

[bowlingbun]

I know that in Hampshire, before lockdown, there was a Carers Group for those supporting someone with mental health issues. Ask Social Services for a Carers Assessment, then they may know of something in your area. For the moment, maybe staying in the house is all she can manage.

[Kristie_2104]

Dear Kimberly _2205
Hi my name is Kristie and i am a volunteer online community host. I am sorry to hear of your predicament and with information from fellow carers and Carers UK i hope that you can get the help you need for your wife. Also Carers UK have a helpline number which i will give to you below in the email.
So welcome to the forum! You are not alone in your caring role and i am sure that many on here will understand exactly how you feel and will offer you support. Caring can be very lonely and the pandemic has made caring responsibilities challenging as many carers have been socially restricted and unable to attend social groups etc.
Carers UK are running online weekly meet ups for carers and you can find the information on how to register at Care For A Cuppa:-https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... ne-meetups. The second online weekly meet up is called Share And Learn:-https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advic ... e-sessions.
Our telephone number at Carers UK is 0808 808 7777 and our line is open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am-6pm and our email address is (advice@carersuk.org).
They provide information and guidance to unpaid carers. This covers:-
-Benefits And Financial Support
-Your Rights As A Carer In The Workplace
-Carers Assessments And How To Get Support In Your Caring Role
-Services Available To Carers And The People You Care For
-How To Complain Effectively And Challenge Decisions
Best Wishes
Kristie