My wife is bipolar

My wife is bipolar Dear Annie: I was single for many years and wanted to share the rest of my life with someone. I met "Irene" in church and listened intently to her conversations, trying to get to know her better. After two years, I asked her out on a date. We fell in love immediately. As soon as we married, however, my world fell apart. Irene seemed depressed the day of our wedding, but I thought it was nerves. After the ceremony, I realized the woman I married was not the same person I dated. It was the worst three days I've ever had. On the fourth day, Irene packed her bags and moved back into her apartment. Her family recently told me that Irene is bipolar, although they did not realize how ill she was or they would have told me sooner. Because she seemed so happy, they assumed she was doing better. I have filed for a divorce, because frankly, I don't know what else to do. I am totally confused and am not sure if I'm doing the right thing. From what I have read about depression, this is a lifelong disease. My friends tell me to run and not look back, but how do you turn away from someone you love, but cannot help? Please give me your opinion. I'm on an emotional roller coaster. -- Feeling Guilty Dear Feeling Guilty: Don't beat yourself up. Dealing with someone who is bipolar can be difficult and stressful, and we understand this is not what you signed on for when you married Irene. Still, somewhere inside that unhappy person is the woman you fell in love with. Bipolar disorder often can be successfully treated with medication and therapy, if Irene is willing to take the necessary steps. Please contact the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (dbsalliance.org) at 730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501, Chicago, IL 60610, for help and information. Dear Annie: How late is too late to apologize? Two years ago, I had a disagreement with a co-worker. She said some nasty things to me and quit. Later, she made several attempts to apologize, but I ignored her. Now I hear she is very ill. I'm afraid if I call her, she will hang up on me. Have I waited too long? -- Confused Dear Confused: It's never too late to say you are sorry, and she might be relieved to clear the slate. Please call her and say you've been thinking of her. Dear Annie: Many people have given up hope of ever finding relief from psoriasis (the red, flaky skin; the itching and burning). But now there is good news for the five million people in the United States who have this chronic skin disease. New therapies are emerging, including biologic medications, which could reduce the activity of the disease without many of the side effects of traditional treatment. Psoriasis is triggered by an immune system response that induces skin cells to mature abnormally and form thick patches. I want to dispel the "myths" about this disease: Psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriasis can develop at any age, although it usually shows up in 15- to 35-year-olds (average age at diagnosis: 28 years). Psoriatic arthritis, a joint disease, develops in 10 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis. Psoriasis can be triggered by stress, certain medicines or injury to the skin. It is impossible to know who will get psoriasis, although researchers are looking for a genetic link. Early diagnosis and treatment is best. -- Kenneth Gordon, M.D., Director, Loyola Psoriasis Center, Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Ill. Dear Dr. Gordon: Thank you for your helpful and informative letter.