Reply #256: I just wanted to offer you my support [View All]

[Wanet]

Dear ExPat -- Your husband is truly blessed to have had you as a support all these years. Those who haven't had to deal with this situation cannot imagine the unbelievable stress, frustration, worry, and grief that go with having a spouse with serious mental illness.

My ex-husband Dan is bipolar and we were married for almost 23 years, and during that time had several serious episodes requiring hospitalization. We were divorced last year, and soon after that he had his worst episode ever, was placed under conservatorship, and his affairs are now being handled by our county public guardian's office. He is in a psychiatric nursing home and is now doing much better.

The one piece of advice I would offer is to try and find a way to shelter your money. I wasn't able to do that effectively until we divorced, but maybe a checking account and credit cards only you can access would work for you.

I know you've done everything in your power to help him. Please take comfort from that and try to take care of yourself too. -- Wanet