Bipolar Disorder And Divorce In Wayne County

Divorce is influenced by various mental illnesses, but the combination of Bipolar Disorder and Divorce can be particularly devastating.

This must be managed carefully and with intention. Some parents are unable to have unsupervised parenting time. Other times, the condition can be managed and divorce proceedings can occur without a mental health or custody evaluation. Manic depression may lead to wasteful spending or irrational and dangerous choices. You need an attorney who understands the disorder when it comes to dealing with Bipolar disorder and your Wayne County divorce.

Signs You or Your Spouse Are Experiencing Bipolar Disorder

If you or your spouse has been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder you may be experiencing or seeing:

Long bouts of extreme sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of despair
Depressed or irritable mood on and off, or persistently
Loss of interest in activities and loss of pleasure in hobbies, life, sex, and socializing
Weight gain or loss, difficulty controlling appetite, and related eating issues
Increased sleep, tiredness, and feelings of exhaustion
Insomnia, inability to stay asleep, or irregular sleep patterns
Appearing slow or unable to function at a “normal speed”
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Shame and feeling not good enough
Fatigue, energy loss, and difficulty finding energy for even mundane tasks
Difficulty concentrating and focusing, as well as trouble making decisions
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or making attempts or plans at either
Emotional extremes that are out of line with what the situation warrants

If you are in a marriage with someone who has the condition, identifying these symptoms is usually straightforward, but if they develop gradually over time, they may be more challenging to detect. Additionally, when these symptoms coincide with marital issues, they can be easily dismissed. Depression can alter a person’s perception of reality, leading to delusions or false perceptions in severe cases.

Behaviors Associated With Bipolar Disorder & Divorce

Divorcing someone that is bipolar

People who struggle with bi-polar or major depression at this level of severity will have several different unusual behaviors that may indicate something is amiss. Based on the symptoms discussed above, you should watch for things like:

Sleeping all day or sleeping during hours when they are supposed to be doing other things.
Eating more than normal or eating at odd hours.
Avoiding social situations or staying in their room or home for days at a time.
Feeling like everyone hates them and that no one cares if they are around.
Missing work, school, or other obligations with a lack of urgency and sense of apathy about it all.
Some people with Bipolar disorder may use their condition to manipulate their partner or to get the upper hand in a situation.
Using depression as a tool or weapon against the other person in a way to say “you don’t care about me” to fulfill their false thinking and feelings of worthlessness.
Withdrawing from or no longer participating in activities that they once enjoyed, such as hobbies, social engagements, or even work parties.
Falling out of contact with family and friends and isolating themselves to “stay out of the way” and not bother anyone because they don’t feel worth it.

Someone suffering from Bipolar disorder is going to do whatever they can to fulfill their false beliefs that the world is terrible and their life is miserable and they shouldn’t be here. Their symptoms will typically cause them to spiral into a dark hole that can last for weeks or even months, and may eventually result in hospitalization for their own safety. This is NOT their fault, but it is also not the responsibility of their spouse to attempt to solve what amounts to a medical problem.

How These Symptoms Manifest During a Wayne County Divorce

Divorce proceedings are rarely amicable, and the end of a relationship can feel like a personal failure, particularly for individuals with mental health and personality disorders. Such individuals may have a distorted sense of self-importance, which can cause them to view the divorce as another way they have failed. The stress of divorce exacerbates existing mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, leading to extreme depression or manic periods where they feel invincible and may not seek legal counsel.

Individuals with major depression may have withdrawn so much from the marriage that the divorce reinforces their belief that they are worthless. While they may have created their own self-fulfilling prophecy, the divorce process can worsen their condition unless they seek professional help. There will be times when your spouse seems like a narcissist, but these conditions are very different.

Expect Lashing Out When Divorcing Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Divorce with bipolar disorder in Michigan

In some cases, the manic episodes of bipolar disorder can be accompanied by anger and violent behavior. This can make it difficult for individuals to control their reactions and they may lash out in harmful ways, especially when dealing with the stress of divorce. It is important to be aware of potential triggers and to take steps to avoid situations that may lead to violent outbursts.

As we previously mentioned, some individuals may attempt to manipulate their partner or cause drama due to their insecurities and condition. This can result in yelling, confrontation, or threats of violence. Although violent behavior is not common in individuals with bipolar disorder and major depression, it can occur in cases where the stressors are extreme and the conditions are not well managed or treated.

While dealing with mental health conditions during divorce can be frustrating and stressful, it is important to recognize the potential dangers of lashing out and take preventative measures. It is crucial to seek help and support from mental health professionals to manage the conditions and prevent harmful behavior.