Dear Annie

will feel about yourself and the less you will need to put down those who have found success.

Dear Annie: My experience 25 years ago with my wife, the mother of our two young sons, was similar to Betrayed by Soulmate’s. She changed from being the best mother two little boys could ever wish for to the worst mother they could be cursed with.

No need to go into details here. About 10 years after her change, and the end of our family unit, I read an article by the National Alliance on Mental Illness explaining the behaviors of people with bipolar disorder. I had never heard of this illness. My wife had 12 of the 15 behaviors. Fast-forward another 12 years and she took her life.

Bipolar disorder has the highest rate of successful suicide of the many mental illnesses.

It took me years to realize that I needed to educate myself about mental illness. Most of us don’t know or realize how many people in our lives are impacted by a mental illness.

Thank you for your educational column, and for helping us realize we all have shared experiences. -Anonymous

Dear Anonymous: Your story is sad but enlightening. Raising awareness of mental illness is very important. I am so sorry that you lost your wife and that she was taken by this disease. I hope your letter alerts those who find themselves in a similar situation and are suffering.

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing. com for more information.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.