Bipolar And Love: Understanding The Challenges And Possibilities

Updated February 27, 2023by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Most people know that love can be very challenging at times. If you’re currently in a relationship with someone who is living with bipolar disorder, then you might be having a tough time with certain things. Bipolar disorder is not easy to live with, and it can be challenging to love someone who struggles with their disorder. You might even find yourself asking questions such as “is bipolar love possible?”

You need to understand that bipolar disorder is something that can be controlled. If you care about your significant other, then you can certainly love them even when their bipolar disorder symptoms get bad. There will likely be tumultuous times, and it might be significantly more challenging than a traditional relationship. Even so, the power of love can win in the end.

Take a look at some of the important advice below. This will help you to understand how you can have a more successful relationship when your partner has bipolar disorder. Bipolar people in love need support just like anyone else. If you can provide that support while still looking out for your own needs, then you can live happily together in love.

Take The Time To Learn About Bipolar Disorder

Is Bipolar Disorder Affecting Your Relationship?

Taking the time to learn about bipolar disorder is going to be very important. You see, bipolar disorder is a lot more complicated than most people realize. There is this perception out there in the public that bipolar disorder is simply about having mood swings. Mood shifts are a big part of bipolar disorder, but it’s significantly more complex than someone having good and bad moods.

There are several different types of bipolar disorder, and the one that your significant other is living with might have specific symptoms that you should know. All types of bipolar disorder can involve changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. Generally, those who have bipolar disorder will go through manic phases and depressive phases. During manic phases, a person with bipolar disorder might have a lot of energy and might even seem unusually upbeat. Depressive phases can hit hard, though, and you might find that your partner will have trouble doing the things that they normally do during these times.

Living with someone who has bipolar disorder can be difficult. Things might be fine one week, and then your partner won’t be able to be their usual self the next week. It can be tough to know how to react to this when you aren’t knowledgeable about bipolar disorder. If you do love your partner or if you want to be able to love them, then it’s important to learn about their condition.

Many people who are married to someone who has bipolar disorder wind up going to the doctor’s appointments with their partner. It’s important to discuss things with a professional and to be a part of what is going on. You can also research on your own to try to understand this condition better. If you want to have a loving relationship where you can live the type of life that you want, then you need to learn to live with the bipolar condition and help your partner to manage it effectively.

Be Supportive

Those who have bipolar disorder are going to go through struggles at certain points in time. It isn’t unusual for someone who has bipolar disorder to have difficulties with going out into public during a depressive episode. Some people even have such severe bipolar disorder symptoms that they have had to apply for disability at younger than usual ages. If you’re going to love someone with a bipolar disorder that has become this severe, then you’re going to need to be a very supportive person.

Some people who have bipolar disorder will need someone in their corner who will advocate for them. If you can be their rock, then you can help to improve the situation over time. Things might never be perfect, and treating bipolar disorder is a lifelong process. Even so, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you can be the supportive person that they need.

It’s also important to note that not all bipolar patients have challenges this severe. Many people with bipolar disorder have lucrative careers and lead normal lives. It just depends on the person and how well they’re able to function while receiving treatment. For many people, bipolar disorder is simply something that they learn to live with as effectively as they can. If your partner doesn’t have a severe form of bipolar disorder and is reacting well to the treatment plan that is in place, then there might be more good days than bad.

Try Not To Let Bad Days Hurt Your Feelings

If you’re going to be living with your partner and trying to plan a future together, then you have to be prepared for bad days. Bipolar disorder does involve mood swings, and this can mean that they might lash out at you sometimes. Even people in relationships that don’t have to deal with bipolar disorder issues are going to have arguments. It’s possible that someone with bipolar disorder might wind up saying some hurtful things to you at the moment when they’re having a tough day.

You have to try to understand that the disease is different from the person. Knowing that your partner loves you even if they seem to be prickly sometimes due to what they’re going through is important. This can be pretty tough because it makes it difficult to draw a line. You don’t want to let someone walk all over you, but you also want to be understanding about what they’re going through.

Your feelings might get hurt sometimes due to what is going on. There will be days where things will be tougher than others. If you can try to remember that you love each other and that sometimes it’s the bipolar disorder talking and not your lover, it’ll make a huge difference. Try to think about things from the right perspective if you’re planning on marrying or entering a long-term relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder.

Make Sure This Is What You Want

Making sure that this is what you want is very important, too. Many people will not be able to handle how difficult a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder can be. Bipolar men in love might not be able to be as attentive as other boyfriends when they’re struggling with a depressive episode. Women who have bipolar disorder might not be able to open up as easily due to everything that they’re going through. This can make it tougher to build a lasting connection, but you have to be willing to give it a shot if you truly want love with this person.

If you don’t think that this is the right fit with you, then you have to be honest. It’s also important to make sure that things are safe for you. For example, if your partner is not taking the medication that they have been prescribed, then this could lead to a very problematic situation. You might wind up feeling like your relationship is a rollercoaster ride that you want to get off of as soon as possible if your partner isn’t receiving treatment.

Bipolar disorder isn’t something that is going to be the same for everyone. Some people will require different treatments than others. Certain people who have bipolar disorder will respond excellently to talk therapy. Others might get by only taking certain antidepressant medications or mood stabilizers. Whatever the treatments might be, you need to ensure that your partner is getting the right treatment if you want to be able to settle down together.

You might wind up deciding that you just can’t live the life that you want with your partner. If this is the case, then that’s perfectly fine. Your life belongs to you, and it’s up to you whether or not you want to give your heart to someone. Those with bipolar disorder can be just as loving and wonderful as any other person in the world. There might be certain complications, but you just have to decide for yourself whether or not it’s going to be worthwhile.

Seek Out Help By Signing Up For Online Therapy

Is Bipolar Disorder Affecting Your Relationship?

Remember that you can seek out help by signing up for online therapy. If your relationship with your bipolar partner is not going as smoothly as you’d like it to be, then this is the perfect opportunity to work on things. This allows you to work on your relationship from the comfort of your own home. You’re going to be able to work on things together as a couple, and you might be able to come to a better understanding of where you’re at.

This is also simply a great way for your partner to get therapy without having to go to a lot of trouble. Being able to get therapy at any time is convenient. Normal therapy offices have strict hours, and it might not always be easy to get sessions scheduled at times that work for your schedule. This won’t be a problem at all when you decide to go with online therapy. You’ll be able to speak to an online therapist at any time, and you’ll even be able to reach out for couples therapy at odd hours of the day.

Consider signing up if you are in love with someone who has bipolar disorder or if you’re working on it. Your partner will benefit from online therapy, and it’s going to make your relationship better from here on out. This is one of the easiest solutions that you’ll find, and it’s very cost-effective, too. Don’t wait to sign up if you think this is something that might work for your relationship.

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