My doctors tell me I have bipolar disorder, though I have not had a manic episode in ten years. The only manic episode I had was likely brought on by excessive amounts of antidepressants. Whatever the cause it was life-changing.

I told my wife of twenty years I wanted a divorce; I loved her very much. I began an affair; I'd been faithful for twenty years. I started drinking alcohol; I'd been sober for thirty-two years and I destroyed a billion-dollar company we had built together. Ultimately, I had a psychotic break and committed a crime that landed me in prison for two and a half years.

Mania, left unchecked can be very destructive. People were used to me being in charge and didn't question my actions until it was too late. Even my psychiatrist did nothing until I was in the emergency room.

If the people who loved me had questioned my behavior before I was out of control I might still be married to the woman I love, together raising our children.

If you love someone and their behavior is contra to the person they have been, asking questions is loving. How they answer them and the choices they make are ultimately up to them and the providers.

I was a very high-functioning person. My manic behavior initially just looked like an extension of my usual thought process.

All we can ever do is lead with love.

I wish you and your loved one peace and good health.