Dealing With A Bipolar Person Loving Tough

I struggle still to accept that wasn’t wrong for me to be happy or light if my husband was in bipolar depression. I struggle to know where letting go crossed with “I’ve done all I can,” because we do a lot — almost anything— for those we love the most. You have a lot in common with this person, and you can’t believe how well you’re getting along. You don’t know what to do or what to say, and it’s not your fault.

Dr. Reiss said that this situation may lead to feelings of guilt. “Acknowledge that how the other person reacts, and their ability to maintain even a superficial or polite relationship after a perceived rejection, may be inherently limited and beyond your control. “A lot of times, I think there’s nothing that you can say that will convince the other person anything, if they’re really on the mania side,” he said.

Dating Someone with Bipolar Personality Disorder

Communication between partners may not be as fluid while a partner is going through a manic or depressive episode. However, communication is crucial for understanding between partners. Melanie also advises others living with bipolar disorder to not use the diagnosis as a crutch. She points to her mental illnesses to explain why she may say or do certain things, but tries not to use them as an excuse or justification for destructive actions. While taking these steps can benefit your relationship, bipolar disorder may still occasionally cause strain in a relationship — even if both of you know what to expect.

How can you help someone with bipolar disorder?

When anxiety and depression feel suffocating, sometimes I need time and space. However, if I keep pushing you away as a result of depression, don’t abandon me. Not only is it important for you to be patient with your partner, but it’s equally important to take it easy on yourself.

Without treatment, these shifts in mood can make it difficult to manage school, work, and romantic relationships. Dr. Cochran also encourages partners of those living with bipolar disorder to not only be patient with them, but to be patient with yourself as well. There is a definite learning curve when it comes to understanding this mood disorder and its effect on your partner in particular, and that can become frustrating at times.

Medication is the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder, and most people need it to regulate their moods and avoid relapse. Despite the need for medication, many people with bipolar disorder stop taking it. Some quit because they’re feeling better, others because of side effects, and yet others because they enjoy the symptoms of mania.

But keep in mind that whether you have bipolar disorder or are dating someone with the condition, it’s possible to establish and maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship. These concerns are understandable, but it’s important to keep in mind that you can have a healthy romantic relationship. For the best chance of success in a new relationship, be sure to communicate openly and follow your treatment plan.

Barriers to Relationships Persist

Stressors at work may also trigger or exacerbate your partner’s symptoms. If your partner can’t hold down a job, this could put more pressure on you to provide financial support until their illness is well-managed. Even if your loved one with bipolar disorder is committed to treatment, there may be times when their symptoms get worse. Take action right away if you notice any troubling symptoms or mood changes.

She’s upfront with him about her moods and checks in to see if he has any questions or concerns. Johnson believes fear is the number one reason past girlfriends have left—fear that bipolar will cause instability in the relationship Iris App or that he’ll go wild during mania. When Victoria met an artist who also has bipolar disorder, she thought it would be the perfect match. Despite their shared bond—or rather, because of it—things didn’t work out.

The SCN may be genetically less able to accommodate rapid changes in darkness and daylight among people with bipolar disorder. The changes in daylight that happen as winter ends and spring begins may make this worse. Unprotected sex can put a person and their partners at risk of sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

Take note if you’re paying more attention to the disease than the person. Many people with bipolar have to try more than one or two medications, or combinations of medications, before they find something that works for them. Staying on top of the medications could very well become partly your responsibility, too.