Bipolar and Relationships

Living with someone, and being in a relationship with someone, who has bipolar disorder can be very hard. The "ups" and "downs" which they have can make it extremely difficult to know how they feel at any given time, and just one wrong word can change their mood from being bright and chipper to them wanting to kill you, or themselves. Bipolar disorder is a disease. It is not something that can be caught or passed on, but it is still a disease nonetheless.

When in a relationship with someone who has bipolar, it is extremely important to see to their needs and wants, and also to protect yours. Sometimes this can be hard, especially when they decide that they want to go on a multi-thousand dollar shopping spree, but other times it can be easier. When a bipolar person enters a relationship, one of the things they look for is stability, but when they are unstable themselves, this puts extreme stress on everyone. The most effective way to deal with this kind of person is to make sure that they continue to take their medication and to work with them every day, and to learn what sets off each of their different moods.

Lots of hard work and love will have to be strong suits for both, along with the ability to understand. If the bipolar half of the relationship becomes physically or mentally abusive to the other half, or to the children, the best recommendation is to leave. This may be hard, but it will have to be done.