Search our site

divorce360.com provides help, advice and community for people
contemplating, going through or recovering from divorce and the issues around it,
including separation, divorce laws, spousal support and emotional issues.


space
ad by divorce360
ADVERTISING PARTNERS


Answers
You can search for Answers by tag here:


Invite Others
Invite friends and family to join you on d360! - Click here

where do I start
Our checklists are a great place to start. Or, get a quick review of your state's divorce laws with our Legal Cheat Sheet.

Question

  Posted to group - What do i do now    <<Previous    Next>>

how do I cope/work with my spouse who has borderline personality disorder?

I have been married for two years now to a woman I thought I would be married to for the rest of my life.  But after she moved in with me and we bought a house together her behavior became even more erratic than before.  She became very suspicious of me, accusing me of lying and cheating every time I left the house.  She would love me one moment and then the next be asking herself why we were together.  She would behave very impulsively and then regret what she had done and slip into a suicidally depressed state of mind.  Even though our financial and future plans were in pretty good shape (no debt, sprawling farmhouse on 6 acres in a rapidly appreciating area) she would always devalue my efforts and actions and tell me she felt financially insecure.  We went to counseling but she expected me to change, not her.  She is very guarded and lies and has no close friends - feels everyone is out to "get" her.  I feel sorry for her but do not know how I can help.  We are finalizing our divorce but I am concerned for her health and well-being.  We spent the last three weekends together and things were very smooth and nice, but this weekend she tells me she doesn't want me around the house (we are finalizing on the sale of our house) because she doesn't want the "drama".  Her anxiety issues have led her to develop colitis, which is intestinal bleeding.  She is treating the colitis but the meds don't work because the colitis is a symptom of her deeper anxiety problem, which she acknowledges but refuses to address.  Should I be concerned for her, should I care since she is the one who filed and wants me out of her life?  Is she abandoning me because of the intense guilt and sense of worthlessness most borderline personality types suffer from?  Any help?

by foreverhopeful    1 Post   
Posted on 6/13/2008 5:16 PM    
Sent to Friendsend to friend
0

Tags:

read more from user >>


Answers for "how do I cope/work with my spouse who has borderline personality disorder?"  (2) (You must be logged in to answer)




Dont worry about her. She has made it into adult life without  your help. If she has colitis, and its bothering her, she can go to the doctor and be treated. If she is mentally unstable, your best bet is to cut your losses and move on. Obviously, her personality will not change. Do you want to live the rest of your life like that? You cant change people...they have to change themselves. If she is clincially diagnosed with a disorder, that makes for even a better reason to move on.
by Lori-Woodall   516 Posts
Posted on 6/14/2008 1:27 AM
Log in to Add Friends
0





I don't have any experience with this but my option is if you love her try to see that she gets the help she needs. Maybe draw the divorce out(if that is possible) so that she can get help. What are the laws concerning mental illnesses? Can you put an extension on it till she is better able to make a sound judgement on the divorce. Or are you sure she is rational in her decision. I think it would depend on how you truly feel. Remember you cant change a person or make them well, They have to want too.
by hulagirl   159 Posts
Posted on 6/13/2008 6:26 PM
Log in to Add Friends
0







Divorce360.com is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer, accountant, financial planner, therapist or other professional to obtain advice. Divorce360.com is not intended to, and should not, take the place of professional advice. The opinions expressed in the divorce360.com message boards are those of the author and the author alone. Divorce360.com does not endorse any specific product or service.

 
divorce Community::

popular blogs

Why Do Women Stay in Bad Marriages?
I never met a woman who didn’t readily admit that she stayed in a...read more 

Does Separation Mean Divorce?
Frequently, when we hear about separation, we think that...read more 

Our email correspondence
From her:   There are days when I wonder why we ever got married?...read more 

get/give answers

Just found out my wife had an affair
I just stumbled on this site when searching on how to tell the kids. Two weeks...Read Answers/share yours 

Please help me!!!!!
Ok, Im at the end of my rope. I have spent 18 years with this man, and it has...Read Answers/share yours 

I know he is having an emotional affair, but can't tell him.
Okay, this will sound ugly and nuts to most but also, please don't judge, this...Read Answers/share yours 

expert Q&As

Faith Therapy : Does a Separation Work?
My Husband and I Are Having Trouble. Is It a Good Idea for Us to Separate?...read more 

Stress Relief: Tips to Help after Separation
Mental Health: Overwhelmed by Changes in Household Routine. What Should I do?...read more 

About Law: Do Divorce Kits Work?
Legal: What You Should Consider When You Think About Divorcing Using a Kit...read more 

expand information center
divorce most popular ::
1. Divorce-101: About Taxes
Divorce Has Obvious Tax Consequences; Filing Issues Can Crop Up Down the Road

2. Should You Tell Your Spouse?
UF Study Shows that Therapists of Both Sexes Encourage Cheaters to Confess

3. $25 Billion in Uncollected Child Support Payments
Be Careful When Using Private Companies to Collect Child Support from Ex

4. Financial Tips for Women
Gather Documents and Know Assets to Keep from Losing Money in Divorce

5. What are the Signs of Infidelity?
Infidelity: Cell Phones, Text Messages and E-mail Can Help You Spot Spouse's Affair