Making it work: A Short Guide to Managing a Healthy Relationship and Bipolar Disorder

Relationships can already be tough to maneuver sometimes.

When you add a mental illness into the mix, it can become even tougher, but that doesn’t mean that a relationship can’t work. If both of the recipients put in the effort to make things work, it could be a surefire formula to blossom into something beautiful for years to come.

Bipolar Disorder is characterized as an extreme shift between moods from highs to lows. These shifts in moods can also cause extreme shifts in behavior. When a bipolar person is in a depressive state, they may not want to go out or be extremely tired all the time versus they’re manic episodes where they may not want to sleep at all. These major changes in mood can cause rifts in relationships when not fully understood. So take down these next tips while handling your relationship with care.

Be communicative

Communication is key in any committed relationship, but when it comes to a relationship with a person with mental illness it may ring even more true. For the person with Bipolar, it helps when you’re able to communicate your moods to your significant other while or before they’re happening. This will help your significant other be prepared and not caught off guard for this drastic change in your mood once it comes. Likewise, your significant other may notice when something’s “different” and notice the signs before you do. Communication goes both ways and helps when both are being listened to and heard.

Do your best to be Patient

Dealing with a mental illness is tough, especially when it’s hard to really understand what someone is going through sometimes. The shifts in moods can be quite unbearable sometimes. For my significant other and I, many a dinner date was cancelled because my depression got the best of me - it can feel like a rollercoaster. But know that this is a rollercoaster you can take a break from when you need.

Have a Support System

This goes for both parties involved. There will be days when things are not so perfect and you may need help coping with the differences in your relationship. Whether it’s one side dealing with the other’s condition or the other feeling misunderstood, turn to get help when necessary. Sometimes this comes in the form of a therapist, a support group or a friend. You don’t have to go through this alone - take care of yourself.

Take your medicine…

and stick with your treatment plan. This will help alleviate some of the symptoms and severe mood shifts that may occur. Significant others, please support your partners in this endeavor. If two people are working together to make this happen it only helps the two of you. Be transparent with your treatment plan, it’s easier than to do it alone. Trust me, there are nights I almost forget to take my medication and my partner reminds me. It’s great.

FINAL TAKEAWAYS

Look, it’s not rocket science. It’s a little mix of love, patience and elbow grease. It also is not impossible to have the love you deserve. Remember to focus on the good moments, that the illness doesn’t define the actual person as a whole. Sometimes the darned illness takes over and causes hiccups, but that’s all they are - hiccups.