This question has two possible responses. If your partner acknowledges the diagnosis and commits to treatment, you and your spouse may be able to start working together and make your relationship better than ever. Most bipolar disorder sufferers have successful and happy marriages. If your spouse, on the other hand, refuses help, you must learn to defend yourself against abuse. Abuse can take many different forms. Verbal harassment (pervasive blaming) Financial exploitation (spending money carelessly; getting huge debt) Abusive behavior (attempting to control, harsh behavior) Physical abuse (when frustration and irritability gets out of control)