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Talking To My Partner

Bipolar Disorder and Relationships: 6 Things to Try Before Leaving

5/18/2021

3 Comments

 
Whether you’re married to someone with bipolar disorder or in a relationship, the reality can be extremely difficult. While some days feel manageable, if not wonderful, others can be so trying that it makes you wonder if you should stay in the relationship and continue on with the rollercoaster of struggles. Of course, there’s no “right” answer. Every person with bipolar disorder is unique, as is every relationship. But, knowing how fragile these relationships can be, it’s important that, regardless of the trajectory you are wanting to take, you do your best to tend to your partner and yourself.
 
Below are six tips that can help improve relationships with individuals with bipolar disorder, which may help to mend a relationship that was once on its way to completely breaking. 

  1. Understand Denial. A big part of the struggle when you’re in a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder is the denial. Not only will your partner deny having problems, there will also be moments when they’ll want to deny treatment or help altogether. That’s why, as their partner, it’s so important to know how to see through this and find effective strategies that can help them better see what’s really going on. 
  2. Seek Professional Help. There’s a big difference between working with a professional and working with the right professional. In order to really be able to manage the difficulties of bipolar disorder, you need to have a professional who you connect with on a variety of levels. In the long run, the right doctor for you and your partner will help everyone feel better, not worse. 
  3. Rely on Someone You Can Trust. Dealing with a partner who has bipolar disorder means that a lot falls on your plate — and there’s as well. That’s why it’s so important to have a trusted confidant you can go to in order to talk and decompress. Creating a “triangle” within your relationship can help spread the load, which can make everything more bearable for everyone. Of course, this person needs to be someone both partners trust, as well as someone who can handle the added pressure without having it turn into something negative in their own life and relationships. 
  4. Set Ground Rules. With all of the ups and downs that come with bipolar disorder, it’s a good idea to create a set of rules that both partners agree to follow in order to make sure things don’t get out of control or that one person feels like they’re dealing with too much on their own. Whatever these rules are for you and your partner, write them down so that you can refer back and hold each other accountable, especially in the beginning when you’re just getting used to new limits. 
  5. Listen and Learn. When you have a partner who has bipolar disorder, it’s likely that they’ll say things that hurt, whether directed at you or themselves. Learning to listen to them is essential. But, even more essential, is remembering that what they’re saying during an episode isn’t really them — it’s their disorder. Being able to separate words from the person helps you stay calm and collected even when things escalate and get intense. 
  6. Take Care of Yourself. Having a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder can take a toll on you, physically as well as emotionally.  Make sure you are setting aside time for yourself so that you can avoid feeling burnt out and tired. Also be aware that your mental health can have physical symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, loss of sleep, lack of sexual desire, and decreased appetite. You can’t take care of your partner if you’re not coming from a place of well-being yourself. 

Deciding to end a relationship is a big decision, but so is the choice to stay in a relationship. Know that you have a choice and that ultimately the path forward is for you to create. 
3 Comments
Psychiatrist in McKinney, Texas link
9/17/2023 04:50:50 am

This article offers valuable advice for those in relationships with individuals who have bipolar disorder. It emphasizes understanding, professional help, and self-care as essential components of maintaining a healthy relationship. Recognizing the challenges and addressing them together can make a significant difference in preserving and strengthening the bond.




Reply
Eli Richardson link
12/4/2023 06:44:19 pm

Recently, my mom and dad realized that my dad could be suffering from bipolar disorder. For years, he's been showing the symptoms of the mental health issue, but he never got diagnosed. My dad's searching for a counselor who can help him, and in the meantime, I think both of my parents will benefit from your intake on setting ground rules to ensure things are controlled.

Reply
Michelle Armstrong
2/24/2025 05:23:16 am

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 This is a story of Doctor Odunga who brought my ex husband back to me in 3 days of contact. He told me me he would do it but i didn't believe him but decided to give him a try and to my greatest surprise, my ex husband came home and started playing with the kids and gave me a kiss on my cheek, knelt down on his knees and begged me for leaving without a goodbye. I heard he had a woman he was seeing before he left me and I was devastated which made me seek help from a spell caster such as Dr. Odunga. I also met this man through a testimony about him and I contacted his email at [email protected] and when I explained things to him, he told me not to worry. I am very happy today that my husband who left me for over 2 years, came back home. I asked him what about the other woman and he said that was his past and nothing will ever make him leave again. I am thankful to Dr. Odunga. Contact him to help you now at [email protected]

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  • Home
  • About
    • My Philosophy
    • Meet David
    • Rates & Insurance
    • Tour Our Office
    • Privacy Policy
  • Therapy
    • Adolescents >
      • Mood Disorders
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Conduct Disorders
      • Oppositional Defiance
      • Emotional Disturbance
      • Depression
    • Mental Health >
      • Mood Disorders
      • Depression
      • Bipolar Disorders
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Adjustment Disorders
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
      • Borderline Personality
    • Couples >
      • Parenting Support
      • Relationship Counsleing
    • Personal Growth >
      • Self Esteem
      • Social Skills
    • Coping Skills >
      • Grief Counseling
      • Self-Harming
  • Resources
    • Printable Forms
    • What To Expect
    • Helpful Links
    • Common Questions
  • Blog
    • Talking To My Child
    • Talking To My Partner
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