6 Ways you should do to deal with bipolar partners

What to do if you have a bipolar partner?

First of all, before you get into how to treat your partner, know in advance what symptoms and behaviors can arise from your partner.

1. Episode mania

During a manic episode, there are several things that can happen to your partner, including:

Sensitive and irritable
Too easily happy and excited
Eat a lot
Talk quickly
Reduced desire to sleep

2. Episodes of Depression

In a depressive episode, several symptoms of mental disorders begin to appear, such as:

Very sad for a very long time
Decreased appetite
Want to kill yourself
Loss of self-confidence
Sleepy and lazy

Now, because these drastic changes happen quickly, of course, it often makes you confused and worried about your partner's condition. Besides, there is no guarantee whether you will be able to put up with these changes. Therefore, it takes a special way to deal with your partner who is bipolar.

How to deal with a bipolar partner

Having a relationship with a person suffering from this mental illness is both challenging and tiring. You can't control your partner's emotions when they're changing. However, that does not mean it is impossible to stay in a relationship with a partner who has bipolar disorder.

In order to remain lasting and harmonious, here are various ways you can deal with a bipolar partner

1. Learn about bipolar

One of the most powerful ways to deal with your bipolar partner is to study the disease. Get more knowledge about bipolar disorder, what your partner faces, and how you react to it.

2. Ask the trigger

Not only studying through books or websites, you also have to ask your partner what triggers these mental disorders to arise. Whether it's lack of sleep or work that makes him stressful.

Although not everyone has a trigger, it doesn't hurt to ask about your partner's experience. How did this happen and what he did to solve it. Well, that way you become aware and reduce the chances of these triggers arising.

3. Be patient

One of the keys to a mentally engaging relationship with your partner is patience. For example, you and your partner have planned to date this weekend, but are constrained because your partner's illness is relapsing.

Remember that it's not what your partner wants you to do, but the bipolar disorder that makes it that way. If it happens a lot and stresses you out, try "running away" from your partner for a week to calm your mind.

4. Supports the recovery process

Another way to deal with your partner who is bipolar is to support his or her treatment plan. Try to attend several sessions with the therapist. Your presence may mean a lot to your partner because it seems to support him.

However, if it bothers your partner, ask him what to do in this recovery process.

5. More open

Of course you have to say what was on your mind and feelings when your partner was having an episode. However, you should also choose words that don't offend your partner, as he will likely judge you to blame their mental breakdown.

6. Ask for help from others

If you are very tired and stressed out with your bipolar partner, seek help from friends or family. Talk to them about this issue and if they give them positive suggestions, you can follow them.

In addition, you can also treat yourself to get through these problems, such as:

Get regular exercise
Doing a hobby that you like
Go to a therapist
Do not be the partner's only support for this issue
Do meditation

Now, after you know the specific way to deal with your bipolar partner, please apply it to your relationship. However, keep in mind that this mental disorder will continue to appear and certainly interfere with your relationship. Therefore, staying supportive of your partner and being more open to him about this issue is one of the keys to his success.