[Guest]

Over the last ten years, my husband (37 yrs old) has been experiencing extreme moodiness and and anger. These episodes occur probably every six months or so. We have a wonderful life, two beautiful children and a fabulous home. We are financial set and really don't have too much worry. However, my husband's job is extremely stressful. The moodiness and anger is usually taken out on me and after a couple weeks, it usually passes. Each time this happens, I tell myself, I can't take living like this. I don't know where to turn. His younger cousin was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder Could this be happening to him, or is he depressed? Any suggestion as to where we should turn for some help? Where do we begin?

[Guest]

It really depends on your husband's motivation. It is hard to say without a full eval what is wrong. Certainly affective disease--both unipolar (depressed) and Bipolar--runs in families. If he senses something is wrong, he might well "volunteer" to see a psychiatrist and get an eval. If he doesn't want to do this, it is a much trickier problem. You could go yourself to discuss the situation and/or the marriage. He might well agree to couples/marriage counseling if there is stress in the relationship. Usually, your insurance determines your provider list. You could start by calling the 800 number on your card, assuming there is one and asking about resources.
[quote] Over the last ten years, my husband (37 yrs old) has been experiencing extreme moodiness and and anger. These episodes occur probably every six months or so... [/quote]