The True Signs of a Good Relationship

Most people recognize the signs of a bad relationship, such as bitter fighting, physical or emotional abuse, disrespectful behavior or inequality between partners. The true signs of a good relationship are not always as obvious and sometimes go unnoticed. Pay careful attention to the way in which you interact with your partner to determine whether you have a strong, healthy relationship.

How to Deal With a Manic Depressive Spouse?

Depression and bipolar disorder are often family diseases.

Everyone sharing a kitchen and a bathroom is affected. In fact, in his book “Understanding Depression,” J. Raymond DePaulo Jr., M.D., writes that “depression … has a much greater impact on marital life than rheumatoid arthritis or cardiac illness. One study found that only severe forms of cancer affected a family as adversely as depression or bipolar disorder.”

My manic depression could have easily wrecked my marriage and my relationships with my two children. Instead, we emerged as a tighter, stronger unit. How? Here are eight ways Eric, my husband, helped me cope — tips for families on how, exactly, to hang in there with a loved one who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.