The prospect of dealing with a lifelong, life-threatening condition can be overwhelming. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder, for example, can test even the strongest of foundations. The unpredictable symptoms and behaviors of a person experiencing bipolar disorder can shake up a relationship and may scare even the most supportive partner. These symptoms can include:. Not surprisingly, communication is essential to supporting your partner and your union.
Dating during your twenties is an experience in itself, but when you live with a severely stigmatized condition like bipolar disorder, dating can really be a challenge. As a year-old mental health advocate who is publicly open about her life with bipolar II disorder, I have often experienced stigma in my dating life. Bipolar disorder is a part of me, and I am not ashamed of my condition, in fact, it is the opposite, I embrace it. Should you even tell them at all? Will they think of you differently once they know?
Dating With Bipolar Can Be an Exhausting Cycle of Intensity and Bailing
Most of the time, living with bipolar disorder is uneventful. When that happens, it can interfere with my work life, friendships and—as you can imagine—completely sabotage my dating life. Bipolar disorder causes drastic and unusual shifts in mood, activity level, and energy. These symptoms can be particularly challenging when it comes to dating, especially early on in a relationship or when meeting someone new, she tells me.
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. Knowledge is power, so learn as much as you can about your partner's disease. This will also be a healthy sign to him or her that you care.