If you are currently dating someone with bipolar disorder, you may struggle with a number of challenges like how you can support them while still caring for yourself. Show
Here are some real-life tidbits on dating a person with bipolar disorder: Get Educated on Bipolar DisorderKnowledge is power, so learn as much as you can about your partner's disease. This will also be a healthy sign that you care. That being said, bipolar disorder is a complex disease. Try not to get too bogged down in the details. Instead, focus on the big picture like what a manic episode is or how to recognize signs of depression. Separate the Person from the DiseaseIt is important when you are dating someone with bipolar disorder to recognize that their disease is a piece of their life pie, and not their whole identity. That being said, to a large degree, a person's bipolar disorder contributes significantly to their behavior, personality, and relationships. With that, you do have to learn to love the whole package, so to speak. Discuss Major TopicsWhether or not you are dating someone with bipolar disorder, it's important to discuss major topics, when you are both ready. For instance, if you really want children but the person you are dating does not, this may be a deal-breaker. Be an AdvocateFirst, it is important that the person you are dating is seeking out treatment for their mental illness, whether that is through medication and/or psychotherapy or group therapy. If not, it's unlikely they are ready to be part of a committed relationship. That said, if your boyfriend or girlfriend is undergoing therapy, it is reasonable to discuss whether attending their doctor's appointments would be helpful—and do not be offended if they say "no." It may be that they prefer to keep the management of their disease process out of the relationship for now. When you do start to become more involved in their life and care, discuss warning signs of a manic or depressive episode. Perhaps, there is a phrase or signal you can provide to clue them in that they are having a rapid mood change. It's important to establish a plan in case the person you are dating develops suicidal ideation, as roughly 30% of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide, according to an analysis in Bipolar Disorders. Of course, this is all best reviewed under the guidance of a mental health professional. This way you and the person you are dating can navigate any mood shifts safely and carefully. Take Care of YourselfIt is absolutely critical that you take care of your own physical and emotional needs. You may consider seeing a therapist for yourself, as a means of evaluating your own thoughts and stresses from being in a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder. You also have to know when and if you need to leave a romantic relationship—like if the person you are dating becomes dangerous, stops getting therapy, or becomes too unstable for you. Understanding your boundaries and what you are willing to accept needs to be crystal clear. In addition, continue to take care of your own body's needs like eating nutritiously, sleeping, and exercising. Be sure to keep up your relationships with other friends and loved ones, too, as embarking on a relationship with someone with bipolar disorder is not the time to isolate yourself. Joining a support group to both gain knowledge and emotional support can also be incredibly helpful. A Word From VerywellYou can have a fulfilling and loving partnership with someone who has bipolar disorder, but it will require work on both sides, boundaries, and professional support and guidance. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Additional Reading
By Marcia Purse Thanks for your feedback! Bipolar disorder is a challenging mental health condition to navigate, and bipolar relationships impact both partners. If you suspect you or your partner may be living with bipolar disorder, find out how to address this mental health condition. Consider the available treatment options and when it may be time to leave a relationship rather than continue working through the issues together. How Common Is Bipolar Disorder in the United States?Approximately 2.8% of American adults had bipolar disorder in the last year, making it a prevalent mental health condition. However, while this figure represents the portion of the population that’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there are many individuals who are undiagnosed or have been misdiagnosed. According to a survey from the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (DMDA), 69% of people with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed. And one-third or more went undiagnosed for up to a decade or longer. This is because many patients seek diagnosis exclusively for the depressive symptoms of the disorder, making it common for health care professionals to initially diagnose the person with depression. Why You Shouldn’t Try To Diagnose Your PartnerIf you or your partner is experiencing symptoms consistent with bipolar disorder, it’s critical to seek professional help and not attempt to diagnose the condition on your own. Self-diagnosing bipolar disorder is dangerous because there’s a chance the person may have a different condition. Suggesting they have bipolar disorder when they don’t can also invalidate the experience of those with the condition and can worsen the stigma surrounding mental health. Additionally, it can be hurtful to your partner to suggest they have a mental health disorder when there may be other reasons for their behavior. What Are Bipolar Relationships Like?While ups and downs are natural in any relationship, being involved with a partner who has bipolar disorder can be especially emotionally challenging. You may not know what to expect from them one day to the next, which adds to your stress. To be supportive of your partner, you need to understand the type of bipolar disorder they have and the typical symptoms. The most common types are: Bipolar 1Bipolar 1 is a more severe disorder defined by manic episodes that may require hospitalization for the person’s safety. They may experience hallucinations or paranoia or act recklessly without a sense of consequence. If your partner is exhibiting unusual behaviors like excessive gambling, promiscuity or drug use, these may be signs of a bipolar manic episode. Bipolar 2Individuals with bipolar 2 still experience mania, but it’s less extreme. Their manic episodes may include a decreased need for sleep, rapid speech or increased energy. In both bipolar 1 and 2, these manic episodes are contrasted by periods of depression. These may include symptoms such as:
How Bipolar Disorder Impacts a RelationshipLearning to recognize bipolar disorder relationship patterns may help you take action to maintain your relationship. Those in a bipolar relationship may experience:
How To Address Bipolar Disorder as a CoupleIf you’re wondering, “My gf or my bf is bipolar, what can I do?” there are ways to work through the disorder as a couple. If you’re committed to your partner, it’s possible to support them as they deal with their mental health condition. To help, you can: Attend Couples CounselingCouples counseling can be a useful tool for maintaining a healthy relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder. It can be especially helpful when the condition is first diagnosed or when you’ve been emotionally hurt or offended by your partner’s actions. Counseling can help you understand how the condition contributed to their behavior and set goals for how you can move forward together. Involve Yourself in Their TreatmentAsk your partner if you can be involved in their treatment so you can understand what they’re going through and provide better support. Do the research and educate yourself on bipolar disorder so you can recognize its symptoms. If you attend sessions with your partner and their psychiatrist, you may be able to provide insight into mood changes and learn how to recognize when a manic episode is occurring. Take Care of YourselfTo be able to support your partner, you need to take care of yourself first. Prioritize your own physical and mental health by engaging in activities that make you happy. You might take fitness classes or attend individual therapy sessions to discuss how you’re feeling about various aspects of your life. Knowing When To Leave a Bipolar RelationshipAlthough it’s possible to support bipolar women and bipolar men in relationships, there may come a point when you need to step away for your own health and well-being. It may be time to say goodbye if you’re:
If you’re the partner with bipolar disorder, there may be circumstances where you need to put your mental health first rather than trying to make a relationship work. This may be necessary if your partner:
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Bipolar DisorderOnce you’ve received a professional diagnosis, there are various treatment options available for bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed, you need to see a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, rather than your family physician. To receive a bipolar diagnosis, you must have experienced at least one manic and one depressive episode. If you think you or your partner may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, your doctor can perform various tests to rule out other medical conditions. They can then refer you to a mental health professional for a psychiatric assessment and official diagnosis. Treatment options for bipolar disorder often include a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medications used to treat bipolar 1 and 2 range from mood stabilizers to antidepressants and antipsychotics. Begin Your Journey Toward WellnessIf you or your romantic partner is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, help is available. Whether you need outpatient or inpatient care, our compassionate team at FHE Health is here to assist you on your journey to recovery and mental wellness. Call us today at (833) 596-3502. Is it possible to have a healthy relationship with someone with bipolar?You can absolutely have a healthy, happy relationship with a partner who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The condition may bring both positive and challenging aspects to the relationship, but you can take steps to support your partner and to help them manage their symptoms.
Why are relationships hard for bipolar?A bipolar person may avoid relationships because they don't feel good enough for other people. Sometimes these feelings come on quickly and cause those with mental health conditions to push away others in existing relationships. This can lead to social isolation.
How does a bipolar boyfriend act?A person with bipolar disorder may disagree with their partner more easily during a manic episode. Risk taking behaviors, such as spending sprees or binge drinking, may happen during a manic episode. These behaviors may create tension within a relationship.
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