Bipolar Relationships

 

People in bipolar relationships often think that they are doomed. Once the spouse who isn’t suffering from Bipolar II first witnesses a hypomanic or depressive episode in their loved one, they start to wonder if it can work out in the long run. What it all comes down to is whether or not both parties in the bipolar relationship can find a way to have each of their needs met. The person suffering from Bipolar II disorder will need understanding and a lot of patience. The person who isn’t suffering from a mental illness is searching for things like love, compassion, stability, and an overall normal relationship.

 

Bipolar relationships need to function differently than a relationship in which both people do not suffer from a mental disability. There needs to be a great amount of tolerance for each other. The person suffering with the mental illness needs to understand that their spouse is dealing with a lot to keep the partnership healthy. They will often be confused and not understand the unexplained manic episodes or depressions.

The healthy minded partner will need to be tolerant of their spouse. They will need to understand that the episodes they are seeing in their loved one are often uncontrollable. As a healthy individual, they may ask themselves “Do I deserve this?” or “How long can I keep up with this?” or “Why can’t I fix them?” These are all very common and valid questions that one may wrestle with when dating a person with Bipolar II disorder. They best thing that can be done is to provide compassion and the desire to learn more about why their spouse acts the way that they do.

The unraveling of bipolar relationships is often a result of exhaustion. The dysfunction that arises due to misunderstanding will often too much. Bipolar disorder and relationships, whether they are romantic or friendly, is something that will take conscious effort from both parties. The person suffering from Bipolar II disorder will need to show they are doing everything that they can to keep their relationship healthy. Medication needs to be taken at all times. Therapy sessions need to be made consistently. Open lines of communication need to be established to clearly express feelings and emotions. The other partner will often need to read between the lines of their spouse’s words and actions.

If you read this article to find a definitive answer to your specific situation, we cannot help you unfortunately. Each situation regarding bipolar II disorder and relationships is completely unique and entirely depends on the wants, needs, and dedication of each person in the relationship. With enough work, just about any combination of people could workout our in one way or another. The first step is to do what you are doing right now; research and understand. There is no quick answer. You will need to learn what works for both you and your partner. Bipolar relationships will not fall apart if there is clear communication, understanding, desire, and love.

Link :

http://www.bipolarii.net/bipolar-relationships/