People with bipolar disorder can lead a normal life as a couple, although as in other disorders, it is necessary that they comply with the stipulated treatment, trying to achieve internal emotional stability that will allow them to achieve external stability in relationships.
In this sense, to achieve stable love relationships, it is important that both members do their part.
In this article We will talk about people with bipolar disorder and how they experience loving relationshipsand on how to act as a couple to maintain a stable relationship.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that is classified within mood disorders. As its name indicates, in this psychopathology there are two poles, a sad or apathetic mood and a euphoric mood. That is, criteria will be met for a depressive episode and for a manic or hypomanic episode.
The symptoms are typical of each episode. In the depressive can present: depressed mood, loss of interest or ability to feel pleasure, loss or increase in appetite or weight, insomnia or hypersomnia, agitation or motor slowdown, fatigue, guilt, difficulty concentrating or repetitive thoughts of death. To make the diagnosis, at least 5 symptoms must be met during 2 weeks.
On the other hand, in manic or hypomanic episodes we can observe: increased activity or energy, exaggerated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, verbiage, flight of ideas, distractibility, increased activity or agitation, involvement in pleasurable activities. In both episodes the symptoms are the same and there must be at least 3, but in the case of mania the duration of the episode must be at least 5 days; on the other hand, in hypomania only 4 days are required. In addition, in mania we can observe psychotic symptoms or the need for hospitalization.
We could diagnose two types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I, where a manic episode will be shown, in this case it is not necessary to wait for the presence of a depressive episode to make the diagnosis, or bipolar II, where it is required to show a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode. .
The course tends to be chronic, presenting a high recurrence rate. It usually starts at 20 years of age and there is no difference between the sexes, either in terms of prevalence or age of onset.
How are people with bipolar disorder in relationships?
Now that we know better what the symptoms of bipolar disorder are, characterized by ups and downs in mood, it will be easier to understand how their behavior as a couple can be or how they live in love relationships. Like any other disorder one of the necessary criteria that must be met is the repercussion on the functionality of the subject who suffers itbeing affected different areas of his life.
The possibility of leading a more or less normalized life will depend on compliance with treatment, both pharmacological and psychological. If the subject is stable, it is more probable that her performance in the field of love will develop without problem, we will see how his behavior can be very similar to that of individuals without this pathology.
Even so, despite the normality achieved with the intervention, we can observe changes in the state of activation. That is to say, there will be days with greater activation where the subject will want to do things and interact and others where he will show himself without energy and will not feel like leaving home. This is the variable behavior that bipolar people tend to present more than a change of opinion or preferences. Likewise, we can also observe relative difficulties in communicating and relating, due to changes in mood and energy.
Thus, people with bipolar disorder they can have a stable partner, as long as they follow the indicated treatment. If they remain stable internally it is easier for them to be stable externally, otherwise it will be very difficult for them to maintain continuity.
How to behave in love if you have bipolar disorder?
Apart from the affectation to functionality, it is also very common to observe discomfort in subjects with this psychopathology, adding to the stigma that society attaches to people with mental disorders. For this reason, despite the fact that we have seen that subjects with bipolar pathology can maintain a loving relationship, it is normal for fear to arise in them and it is difficult for them to decide to be with someone or they have doubts about whether they will be able to carry on the relationship normally.
If you want to start a relationship, there are some tips that can help you.
1. Comply with the treatment
As we have already seen, one of the key points to remain stable and make it easier to have a partner is to follow the treatment, both taking the necessary psychotropic drugs (the medication is a continuous treatment for bipolar patients) and to continue indications for psychological therapywhich apart from benefiting us by reducing the symptoms of the pathology can also help us to show appropriate behavior in the relationship.
2. Involve your partner in your pathology
There is a lot of misinformation about mental health problems, so it is very likely that your partner does not really know what he means in bipolar disorder. Thus, talk to your partner and explain the changes you may experience, what behavior you may observewill help you understand yourself better and deal with many of the situations that may arise.
In the same way, it can also be good to share the techniques you use to regulate your mood or how you act when faced with the possible appearance of symptoms. Making them aware of your affectation and treatment will unite you morefinding in him/her a support.
3. Do not hide anything
This advice is suitable for all types of couples. It is important that when you notice a change in your state, when you see that things are not going well, share this feeling with your partner. Since, as much as we want to hide it so as not to worry the other person, sooner or later they will surely notice our change in behavior. So don’t wait for the situation to worsen and make it more difficult to act.
4. Maintain good communication
Another tip that works for all couples is to communicate. Sometimes we try to figure out what is happening to our partner, why they act that way, we waste time making assumptions and we can even get angry without really knowing the reason for their behavior. Maintaining good communication is one of the fundamental factors in achieving a good relationship.
Explain to him how you feel and allow your partner to do the same, so that he can communicate the changes he observes in you, since these are also signs that can help us act preventively and avoid a more serious episode.
How to help your partner with bipolar disorder
In the same way that the work and involvement of the bipolar patient is important for the relationship to work, it is also essential that the other member collaborate and help for the purpose of a good relationship. Here are some tips that may be useful to you.
1. Collaborate with the healthcare professional
Treatment follow-up is not always easy and it may be difficult for the patient to comply at times. It is crucial that we show collaboration with the mental health professional to try to get our partner to follow the treatment as it should and has been prescribed. It is good that we participate and communicate with the professional, since we are the person who spends the most time with the patient and who will be able to detect possible changes in her behavior beforehand.
2. Treat your partner normally
As we have already seen, if the subject receives treatment, the affectation caused by the disorder is controllable, greatly reducing it. For this reason we should not treat our partner in a very different way than we would with another person; we must not overprotect itWe must treat them equally. This does not mean that, in situations where your condition destabilizes, we are by your side and help you in any way possible.
3. Be understanding
Despite being able to have a relationship with a partner normally, we must be aware that psychopathology is chronic and that, therefore, there may be behaviors or symptoms that our partner cannot control and do so without the intention of bothering or hurting us. In this point communication will be essential; Express to him how you feel, without attacking him, so that you can talk about the situation.