Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

What can I do?…

SadMaddi August 24th, 2023

I don’t know if I’m in the right place or not…but here goes….


My husband and I have been together for about five years. We have a beautiful two year old daughter together, a home we worked so hard for, careers in the healthcare field, almost a picture perfect life.


He has struggled with an addictive personality in the past and has overcame alcohol and substance abuse and God I am so fiercely proud of him for it. He did it on his own! To me, a person who works in addiction recovery, that is incredible.


Recently he was (finally) diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and depression. He showed signs of adult ADHD and major, major anxiety and body dysmorphia. He was taking several psychotropic meds and phentermine for weight loss. He’s also using Delta 8 (flower) and Kratom. (This is important)


The last week, he has shown signs of developing psychosis. I saw the symptoms right away and questioned when the last time he refilled his meds were. He hasn’t in about 2-3 weeks. He stopped cold turkey, he stopped everything because he didn’t feel like taking them anymore. Back track about 4 days prior and he had tested positive for benzos (he isn’t prescribed any) from what is suspected to be laced Delta from a scummy “dispensary”. He was very, very upset about it as he had been doing so well staying away from the substance abuse.


The last three days have been ***. Pure ***. He doesn’t recognize me as his wife anymore. He’s convinced I’ve plotted against him to make him look bad to everyone in town. He’s convinced I’m speaking badly about him to all of my patients and coworkers. He’s convinced I’m suicidal (I’m not) and called his mom in the middle of the night to come get our daughter from me for no actual reason. His mother made the problem so, so much worse. She has no sense of how to handle things and is always “right”. She would argue and scream the paint off a brick wall.


Tonight, I’m sitting at the magistrate’s office with a CPS worker at 3AM. He became violent. I had my daughter in my arms. He didn’t recognize me at all, he kept calling me by a completely different name. Had the police convinced that I wasn’t who I was and I was this other name (until I showed my work badge and my state ID). CPS is taking our daughter for the night for her safety and I have to file a domestic violence protective order. My heart has been ripped from my chest. I love this man. I don’t know why he chose to stop his meds suddenly. I did everything I could do and it’s hit me so hard. He’s going to lose his EMT card now because of me and my inability to help him. The grief is overwhelming, I’ve lost my husband. When he comes back to, it’ll be too late and the damage will be done. He won’t go to the hospital because he can answer the questions correctly and being an EMT, knows just what to say to his coworkers so he doesn’t have to go.


Should I give up and run to keep myself and my daughter safe? Or should I try harder? A mental hygiene maybe? I’ve already ruined his career with the DVP…..but God I love this man and I am so scared for him.





3
toughTiger6481 August 24th, 2023

@SadMaddi

You did not ruin his career ........ he did

as a professional he knew the dangers of stopping meds like that and adding other substances in the mix was not a good idea. i find many using items like katom having issues with not knowing people and paranoid.

While admirable to overcome his past addictions on his own but as your own support/ accountability it is easy to rationalize when you are making choices. he should get help this time to work through items.

CaliConfined August 24th, 2023

@SadMaddi

This is rough, hang in there. All I can say is nothing will make this instantly better.

Just giving my advice about psychosis. He needs antipsychotics immediately (Zyprexa aka Olanzapine) along with his current regimen and lots of rest. No saying how long it will take to come to. It has taken weeks for me to realize it was my mind playing tricks on me and what was REALLY going on. Certainly, substances like Kratom/Delta 8/ THC I RECOMMEND stopping permanently. This can aid paranoia/delusions.

Hopefully, he gets a grip on reality soon.

Bi-Polar rips apart families and everything in its path. It's ruthless. It's been deranging me and my family for 5 years. Sincerely, wish you the best.

*DISCLAIMER - not a doctor, just advice from my own personal experiences.

Emilyorchid August 25th, 2023

@SadMaddi I want to start by saying how truly sorry I am to hear about the challenges you're facing right now. It's clear that you're going through an incredibly difficult and emotionally overwhelming situation. Your commitment to your husband and your family shines through in your words, and it's evident that you deeply care for his well-being.


You've demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, especially given your background in addiction recovery and healthcare. It's important to recognize that you've done everything you can to support your husband during this time, but sometimes circumstances spiral beyond our control.

Seeing your husband struggle with his mental health, especially after the progress he made in overcoming addiction, must be incredibly painful. It's also crucial to understand that your own well-being and the safety of your daughter are of paramount importance. Ensuring your safety and your daughter's safety is a priority, and you should never feel guilty for taking steps to protect yourself and your child.

You mentioned the possibility of pursuing a mental hygiene assessment, and that's a valid option to consider.

It's important to remember that you are not responsible for your husband's decisions, especially if they are influenced by his mental health challenges. The situation is complex, and while it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain, remember that reaching out for help and seeking guidance is a positive step.

You have shown immense love and care for your husband, but taking care of yourself and your daughter is equally vital. It's okay to lean on your support network of friends, family, and professionals during this time. Keep in mind that making difficult decisions out of concern for safety doesn't diminish the love you have for your husband. You're in a tough spot, and whatever path you choose, know that it's a reflection of the care and compassion you hold for your family.

Your well-being matters, and I truly hope that you find the support and answers you need during this challenging time.