Relationship Tips for Married Couples
Bipolar disorderis a mental health condition that can cause significant mood changes.
A persons energy levels, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors may be affected.
This can create problems and impact the quality of life partners have established.
Verywell / Julie Bang
Its common for someone with bipolar disorder to hurt or offend their partner or be controlling.
Bipolar Disorder at a Glance
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood fluctuations.
There are different types of bipolar disorder, including:
Treatment often includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Every person with bipolar disorder has a unique experience of the condition.
Being educated aboutsymptomsand treatment options can provide insight into ways to better support a spouse with bipolar disorder.
If you believe your spouse might have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, you might notice the following behaviors.
There can be a level of unpredictability in the relationship that causes distress.
These dynamics create challenges in marriages that can be difficult to overcome.
Research indicates divorce rates are higher in couples in which one partner has the condition.
Being married provides an emotional connection and partnership in life.
However, every relationship has its challenges.
When one partner in a marriage has bipolar disorder, the relationship can become complicated when they are unwell.
However, communication is crucial for understanding between partners.
Additionally, research demonstrates that couples believe a level of emotional disclosure is vital to their relationships.
Another study determined spouses have a hard time assessing the impact of bipolar disorder on their partners lives.
Ultimately, bipolar disorder and the emotional impact it has on partners can weaken their communication.
Some medications can diminish a persons interest in sex, while an episode of mania can lead tohypersexuality.
Financial Responsibility
Mania and impulsivity can lead to behaviors that can jeopardize a couples financial health.
Learning how to take care of themselves and support each other can strengthen the relationship.
In such cases, the partners may want to consider divorce as an option.
Abuse
Due tostigma, people often associate violence with mental health conditions.
The truth is that most people with a mental health diagnosis are not violent.
However, abuse can occur when there are extreme changes in mood or when drugs or alcohol are involved.
Irritability and impulsiveness that accompany mania can lead to a dangerous situation.
Knowing When to Leave
Walking away from a marriage can be a difficult choice.
Summary
Living with a spouse who has bipolar disorder can be challenging.
Engage in honest conversations about how you are affected and how you need support.
Alternatively, the relationship may not feel safe.
In those cases, you should prioritize your own mental health and well-being and seek help.
Frequently Asked Questions
The diagnosis of a mental health condition is not a red flag.
Many people with various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, lead balanced and meaningful lives.
Partners should be clear about when it feels like a relationship is or isnt working for them.
Strategies to enhance and improve the relationship are available through individual andcouples counseling.
Honesty and communication are foundational to establishing trust.
Set boundaries and ask for what you need.
Hear your partner on this as well.
Be clear about what you’re gonna wanna build trust between the two of you.
A person can sometimes have bipolar disorder and not recognize it.
The best way to gauge your partners emotional state is to have an open and honest conversation about it.
Offer to help connect them with a mental health professional for take the next step.
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
American Psychiatric Association.What are bipolar disorders?
2014 Jun;75(6):e578-86.
doi: 10.4088/JCP.13r08905
Merck Manual.Bipolar disorders.
Appl Psychol Health Well Being.
2015 Nov;7(3):340-64. doi: 10.1111/aphw.12051
