I'm concerned that my wife might be bi polar

Diagnosing anyone as bipolar is not an easy thing to do. If you're concerned, I would suggest that you talk to a doctor before you tell your wife how you feel.

Hi,

Don't say it is beyond doctors, there is always hope. There are many new medications and therapies that you can try. Of course, you have to get your wife to recognise that she has a problem and agree to go to a doctor.

But that is not what I meant. Sometimes as women grow older their bodies change, and this can cause a hormonal imbalance that causes mood swings. I don't know how old you guys are, or what your situation is, but it is possible that your wife is depressed over something, and not bi-polar. I think that the first thing you should do is talk to a doctor, who can tell you more or less if your wife's behaviour is close to that of someone with bipolar disorder (in many cases it is hard to diagnose).

Today there is much less of a stigma attached to bipolar disorder, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting some help from a professional.

I don't think we're in the same time zone, so IM may be a problem, but you can always send me a private message via Yedda (click on my buddy icon, next to this post, and on my profile page there is an option for sending a private message).

That's a big question to even begin to guess at a distance without more data, JB. Have you done even a "first level" tour through some sites about bipolar to see how much their descriptions fit? (See ads at right for one sampling). Has she been evaluated or treated for any other psych issue? If so, what does her shrink or therapist say? Have you spent time on any message boards or forums where bipolars or their loved ones converse about the daily details of having it or coping?

Those are the places I would begin to start assembling some clues. And even after you test your hypothesis with some research,  it will then take a good shrink to confirm or suggest how to treat. In general, bipolar is severe enough to be treated most of the times with meds along with whatever other self-help makes sense. And meds = psychiatrist.

In all events, best of luck to you!

Hi.  I'm very familiar with bipolar disorder -- I was married to a bipolar person for many years. 

First I would ask you:  What makes you suspect your wife is bipolar?  Personally, I wouldn't recommend speaking with her until you're absolutely positive.  If you can give some detail on what's making you think this, I could probably offer you more useful suggestions.

Please keep in mind that bipolar disorder is not something that can be controlled without medication.  Depending on its severity now and her age, it could get worse before it gets better.  It manifests differently in different people, and many bipolar people don't like the idea of medication because it takes away their "high."  Approaching her about this should be done very carefully if you wish her to get help.

You may wish to check out the Mayo Clinic's pages on Bipolar Disorder, as well.  Good luck!

Alkhemist