Did anyone go through denial when they were diagnosed? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

tamara29 · 07-18-2006, 12:04 PM

My husband is in denial about his bipolar. He says that he doesn't have it, that he's just overstressed. However, he's still taking his meds, which are starting to make a world of difference. I can actually see my old husband coming back around again. I just wonder how long it will take for him to accept that he really does have a problem, and it's not just being overstressed?

Wizard of Oz · 07-18-2006, 12:39 PM

tamara29, My wife also still takes her meds but doesn't think she's BP. She was diagnosed about 4 yrs ago. She's been taking meds for a couple months but I haven't seen any improvement. I'm also wondering how long it will take for the meds to kick in. I have no idea who my wife is right now. Good luck. I'm glad that your beginning to see him come around. Oz

fallen_angel · 07-18-2006, 12:45 PM

hi tamara,
i never personally had a problem accepting my diagnosis, i was actually relieved, but my dad is also bipolar and he still wont admit there is anything wrong with him after 5 years. He claims all his problems were caused by the stress of his job, but he actually had to take early retirement due to the bipolar! i think he has just twisted it all around in his own head. from what ive seen and heard it does seem to tend to be men who have more problems accepting and admitting to their illness than women.
But the main thing is that your husband is sticking to taking his meds, which is great. Perhaps he will recognise his illness when he realises how much better he feels on the meds.
i hope things continue to improve for you, i know from your earlier threads how much you have all been through

goody2shuz · 07-18-2006, 12:47 PM

Hi, Tamara

As a mom of a 15 year old recently diagnosed it was always denial.....nothing was wrong with her, I was too strict, too crazy, I was the one who made her cut herself it was always me!!! That is until recently when she started the Risperdal.....finally she is able to admit that she is depressed and just yeterday tell the doctor that she may need something more because she is too moody.

I think that in the unmedicated state somebody who is Bipolar is incapable of seeing things in the logical sense and is more apt to make excuses for his/her behavior. Once the meds kick in they are better able to look at their behavior and determine that it is not good and that they do have a problem that the medication is helping them out with.

I am also glad to hear that your husband is improving.....just to see that they are not fighting something like an ongoing current and the exhaustion involved in doing so has got to be a big relief!!! I am starting to see that in my daughter's face and conversations lately as I am sure you are as well with your hubby. And it is the glimmer of hope that we embrace but are somewhat afraid to take off with just in case it isn't the real thing.

Glad that things are starting to turn around for you.

(((HUGS))) ~ Goody

tamara29 · 07-19-2006, 09:05 AM

Thanks everyone. I think he's slowly coming to terms with it. I think he's afraid of the label, that people will judge him and think bad of him because he has it. For me, if it was me, I'd just be glad to have an answer.