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Understanding Bipolar Disorder

The Oprah Winfrey Show  |  October 04, 2007
Autumn explains how Chris's bipolar disorder affects the family.

Autumn says she has been with Chris for 11 years and married to him for three years. "It's hard," she says. "You know, because I have to do everything myself. I get no help with the kids. It's like being a single parent with an additional child to take care of."

Chris's anger is also an issue at home. "It's just hard never knowing what mood he's gonna be in. The violent temper tantrums. Verbal abuse."

Autumn believes that Chris's bipolar disorder is affecting their children. "They don't like it," she says. "It makes them mad and sad at the same time. They just don't know what to do."

Oprah asks if Chris believes he could truly cause harm to his family. "Hopefully not, but I've blacked out," Chris says.

"I always loved when Anderson Cooper was down in [New Orleans after] Katrina and he said, 'Hope is not a plan.' So, you all need a plan. 'Hopefully not' is not good enough," Oprah says.

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