Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes severe mood swings, according to the Mayo Clinic. These mood changes may range from manic episodes, where the patient may not sleep for days and will be in a state of euphoria, to depressive episodes, where the patient will lose interest in activities and relationships. Dating an individual with bipolar disorder may be challenging because your partner may not react logically in all situations. Be patient with your partner without compromising the structure needed to maintain a strong relationship.
Step 1
Create an open dialogue about your partner's illness, but don't dwell on it. Allow your partner to talk about his feelings associated with bipolar disorder, but do not insist every relationship difficulty you encounter is because of his bipolar disorder.
Step 2
Encourage your partner to take his medication. Although it is ultimately not your responsibility to maintain your partner's medication schedule, some bipolar patients, particularly when having manic or depressive episodes, may avoid taking medication. Contact your partner's doctor if she is not taking his prescribed medication.
Step 3
Maintain a regular sleeping schedule and encourage your partner to do the same. Irregular sleeping patterns and lack of sleep may exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Avoid blaming your partner. Bipolar disorder is an illness that is treated with psychological therapy and medication. If your partner is taking active steps to control his bipolar disorder, support him. If your partner is avoiding taking medication or refuses to participate in therapy, determine how healthy your relationship is and whether or not you are helping or enabling your partner.
Step 5
Be patient and listen to your partner's point of view. Because individuals with bipolar disorder often have severe mood changes, your partner may say he loves something one day and hates it the next. Instead of discounting your partner's feelings, try to understand how he feels in each moment and support his thoughts, as long as they are not destructive toward himself or others.
Step 6
Attend group therapy sessions. If you and your partner are unable to see eye-to-eye, attend a session with your partner's psychologist or psychiatrist to discuss unresolved issues.
Tips and Warnings
- Support your partner and his needs as long as he is actively treating her disorder as best he can.
- If you or your partner are feeling suicidal, call 1-800-SUICIDE or 911 immediately.
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