Dating Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Dating Someone With Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Print Tips for Dating Someone With Bipolar Disorder By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 19, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 21, 2020 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Sam Edwards / OJO Images / Getty Images If you are currently dating someone with bipolar disorder, you may struggle with a number of challenges like how you can support him or her while still caring for yourself.   Here are some ?real-life tidbits on dating a person with bipolar disorder: Get Educated on Bipolar Disorder Knowledge is power, so learn as much as you can about your partners disease. This will also be a healthy sign to him or her 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 Disease It 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 persons 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 Topics Whether or not you are dating someone with bipolar disorder, its 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 Advocate First, 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, its unlikely he or she is 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 doctors appointments would be helpfulâ€"and do not be offended if they say no. It may be that your loved one prefers to keep the management of their  disease process out of the relationship for now. When you do start to become more involved in your loved ones life and care, discuss warning signs of a manic or depressive episode. Perhaps, there is a phrase or signal you can provide to clue your loved one in that he or she is having a rapid mood change. Its 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 Yourself It 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 relationshipâ€"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 bodys 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 Verywell You 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.   How to Maintain a Sex Life With Bipolar Disorder