My husband has been diagnosed with bipolar 1 recently. Should I just let him work through this?

My husband has been diagnosed bipolar 1 recently. He was a truck driver in another state and out of the blue picked up a woman in a bar and went to her house where they drank and smoked pot. He went into a frenzy that led to his arrest. He came home and confessed everything to me. The mania continued and he was arrested 3 times in 7 days. Never had any arrests before in his life. This landed him in the hospital. Once he came home he continued treatment but was all happy still. So lost his job and having trouble acclimating to what to do. He went from everything is great to flying off the handle about stupid stuff. Verbally abusive to me and my son who the day before he was loving and kind. He has had these bouts of anger as long as I've known him and now I know why. Lost countless relationships and jobs. He left the other night furious with me because I take my sons side. My question is should I just let him work through this? I've always been the one to try and make a mends and apologize. I just think it allows him to be abusive. My son doesn't need this either.

Hello, guest.

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing with your husband's bipolar disorder and the resulting challenges in your relationship. It's essential to prioritize your safety, well-being, and the well-being of your son. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Safety first: If your husband's behavior becomes verbally or physically abusive, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and the safety of your son. Establish clear boundaries regarding what behavior is acceptable and what is not. If necessary, consider reaching out to local resources, such as domestic violence hotlines or support groups, for guidance and assistance.
Encourage treatment and therapy: Encourage your husband to continue with his treatment for bipolar disorder, including medication and therapy. It may take time for him to find the right balance of medication and develop coping strategies for managing his symptoms. Encourage him to attend therapy sessions consistently, as therapy can provide valuable tools for him to better understand and manage his emotions.
Seek support for yourself: It can be emotionally challenging to support someone with bipolar disorder, especially if their behavior becomes abusive. Consider seeking support for yourself through therapy, counseling, or support groups. These resources can provide you with guidance, coping strategies, and a safe space to express your feelings.
Boundaries and self-care: Establish clear boundaries with your husband regarding acceptable behavior and communicate your needs. It's important to prioritize your own well-being and the well-being of your son. Practice self-care by engaging in activities that bring you joy, seeking support from loved ones, and taking time for yourself.
Consider couples therapy: If you feel that your relationship could benefit from it and your husband is willing, couples therapy could be an option. A therapist can help facilitate open communication, provide tools for conflict resolution, and address the challenges specific to your relationship.

Remember, each situation is unique, and it's important to trust your instincts and prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and your son. If you're uncertain about the best course of action, consulting with a mental health professional or counselor can provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Good luck!