Bipolar Husband Walks for Hours - Family & Friends of the Mentally Ill Message Board

erin1715 · 08-04-2007, 10:51 AM

My husband gets into these moods where he can take off and walk and walk forever, he left at 9:30 this morning and has walked now for 3 hours. Luckily he has a cell phone with him where i can reach him, but it still concerns me because I don't know what he'll do. He says he doesn't want to hurt himself and I ask him why he walks, does it make him feel better...and he says he doesn't know why, he just does it.

This has been a pattern in his behavior since hes been stuck in this episode for over a year now. Hes mostly depressed and he took off walking last summer and didn't tell anyone where he went. Does anyone have any thoughts about why he does this? He has said before that he wants to disappear, but not in the hurting himself way...is he searching for something do you think?

We are going on almost 3 years of marriage and the last year has been hell and I don't see an end in sight, this isn't what I envisioned our lives to be, but I guess life throws some curveballs at us. I'm trying to keep a strong faith and be committed to him, but it sure ain't easy....and thats a huge understatement.

It just bothers me because my days are filled with endless worry about him and this has been just an ongoing year of frustrations, I just needed to talk and I know you guys are here to listen...so thank you.

marshmallow · 08-04-2007, 04:04 PM

Erin, I don't have any input as far as the walking goes but wanted you to know someone had read your post and welcomes you. I am sure others will respond too.

4support · 08-04-2007, 09:57 PM

Hi erin,

I have been married to my BP husband for 11 yrs and I understand what you mean when you say it's not easy, and you are keeping your faith and committed to him and your marriage.

What strikes me from your post is that although the depression is not easy on him, on you, on any marriage, the walking seems harmless enough. He really could be doing much worse - being verbally abusive, highly irritable, withdrawn, etc... - common symptoms of BP depression.

I am curious, you mentioned that this has been going on for a year. Is he on medication and does he have a good pdoc?

I also never imagine life would throw this curveball at us, BP is a definite challenge. I really love my husband and we have 2 little ones.

We're all here to help!
4support

sjohnp · 08-04-2007, 10:31 PM

My wife is Bipolar II and walks for hours inside the house from room to room. I believe it is due to the anxiety she is suffering from. Whenever she takes a Xanax she will stop and sit or lay down for an hour or two then start again. It's hard to convince her to take the Xanax so the walking continues for months now. Maybe your husband should try taking an anti-anxiety drug like Xanax.

erin1715 · 08-05-2007, 06:37 AM

Hes tried many medications over the course of the year and we haven't hit on the right ones yet. He's also had many courses of ECT treatments and those help for awhile but never for too long. Right now hes on pamelor, risperdal, and provigil and I'm wondering if the provigil is making him anxious. Hes a big guy and takes 400mg in the morning, and from what I understand that is a lot but I think he needs higher doses in order for them to be effective.

I agree that the walking seems to be harmless as long as he comes home. He isn't verbally abusive although sometimes I think it's emotional abuse. He does get withdrawn and wants to isolate himself but I have seen how much it helps him to be around people. He is diagnosed as bipolar II. Thanks for all of your thoughts about this...this is such a great place to talk and share. It helps tremendously to know that we're not alone.