Help applying LEAP method

Advice Needed

My husband (mid 30s) is currently in what appears to be a manic episode triggered by an SSRI. I’ve known he struggled with mental health issues over our 11 year marriage, but this was the first time he ever saw a psychiatrist and tried medicine. She initially diagnosed him with anxiety. Long story short, he began feeling like he had a spiritual awakening, understood God (lifelong atheist before this), and was generally acting like he was high on LSD for many days straight. Little to no sleep, little to no appetite, wanting to have intense conversations constantly. Lots of crying, reconnecting with family members he had cut off, has done more socializing in this past week than probably the past 6 months total. His friends were reaching out to me very concerned and I ended up contacting his therapist. This clued him in that people were concerned about him and he began trying to pretend like he’s not manic and getting irritated and hurt that everyone is not celebrating his spiritual awakening.

As I’m sure you can guess, he does not believe this is mania. He thinks it‘s a true spiritual awakening and is very hostile to the idea of going on Lamictal (his psychiatrist tried to prescribe it after she observed the mania at his follow up). He did agree to go off the SSRI, so now he’s been tapering off for the past few days. However, he has begun to turn on me. He has produced a long list of things I need to ask for forgiveness for in order for him to stay with me and says his feelings for me are fading quickly. The vast majority of the things on the list are actually things he did to me, not the other way around.

So, how would you go about applying the LEAP method to this? I cannot stomach apologizing for and groveling over things I have never done! He’s gone to stay with his mom while he ”waits for my answer” on whether or not I can apologize for everything on the list and vow to become the perfect spouse in the future. I know he’s not in his right mind, but I’m extremely heartbroken and do not want to do the wrong thing here that might provoke a full blown discard.

Any advice greatly appreciated. I have reached back out to his therapist for advice but haven’t heard back. I have my own therapist too but will not see her again for a little bit.

Posted Feb 23, 2026, 9:30 PM UTC

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