4 Tips for living and living with a bipolar partner

Having an affair is not an easy thing. Especially with couples diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood changes that we are familiar with mood swings . That is why you need maximum patience and sincerity to face all the twists and turns that may occur during the life of a bipolar couple. Not infrequently, facing a recurrence of bipolar partner symptoms can cause stress, even depression. Check out the tips for navigating a romantic relationship with a bipolar partner below, so that your relationship can be stronger and more resilient.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder) is a mental disorder that causes a person to experience extreme and contradictory mood swings.

At one point in time, a person who has bipolar disorder may sink into euphoria, which is a feeling of excitement and excitement that doesn't go away. This phase of extreme happiness is called the mania phase and can last for at least seven days. At other times, the person can get caught in a depressive phase characterized by feelings of despair, helplessness, hopelessness, and unmatched hopelessness that can last for at least 2 weeks.

This mental disorder can cause damage to personal relationships, low motivation, and productivity in the workplace. What's worse, bipolar disorder can lead to suicidal tendencies and / or behavior.

The twists and turns of a relationship with a bipolar partner

Having a relationship and living together with a bipolar partner can affect the quality of your life as a partner. Quoted from Healthline, a 2005 study examining a number of couples, one of whom has bipolar disorder, found that the symptoms of this mental disorder can have an impact on their daily lives and household routines.

Bipolar disorder can make your partner appear "distant", which can put strain on your relationship. You may be lonely and overwhelmed by piles of household chores because he is too lethargic to finish when you are stuck in a depressive phase. They may also shut themselves off from their surroundings during this time.

On the other hand, you may feel resentful that your partner is never quiet; behaving recklessly (for example shopping like crazy or resigning from the office); talk very fast but difficult to understand; to always stay up all night while in a manic phase.

Mood changes due to bipolar disorder are sometimes unpredictable and can occur at any time without having to be triggered by anything specific. These extreme mood swings can occur several times a year. But between the alternation of manic and depressive phases, changes in mood and emotions can run normally like people in general. That's why dealing with a bipolar partner can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Tips for having a relationship with a bipolar partner

A bipolar partner does not mean that your relationship is the root of the problem. If bipolar disorder is a thorn in your relationship, it's time for you to act - for both your partner and for yourself.

1. Find out about the disease

Like other mental disorders, bipolar disorder can be treated and cured with medication and therapy. To support therapy, you must first understand and understand the conditions suffered by your partner.

Bipolar disorder is often confused with a person's character defects. In fact, bipolar disorder is a mental disorder caused by biological factors that are beyond the person's control. Some of the risk factors for bipolar disorder include genetics (heredity) and abnormal brain function.

2. Find out what triggers the symptoms and try to avoid them

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be triggered by one thing. Symptoms can occur slowly, almost imperceptibly. Therefore, find out and learn what can make it relapse and try to avoid it. Also study your partner's heart situation to try to prevent a phase of depression that can come at any time.

It is you who know your partner best inside and out. If you notice that your partner's behavior, emotional turmoil, or thought patterns are unusual, ask yourself if this could be a pattern of his bipolar symptoms. Observing your partner's behavior can also help you strengthen yourself and not be surprised when his mood changes quickly.

3. Show unconditional love and affection

Accept that your partner is sick. Also understand that because of this disease, he may not always be a person who is always full of love and affection.

But your sincere love has the power to heal. If your partner is going through a depressive phase, let them know you care by showing more love. It may be more difficult to do this when they have a relapse and are taking out the negativity on you, but it is precisely at these times that they desperately need love and affection.

Allowing a depressed person to drown before offering help is totally wrong. Severe depression will be more difficult to deal with, easier to relapse, and will have more thorns in your relationship going forward. Waiting also increases the likelihood that your relationship will not last; the presence of depression in a relationship increases the risk of separation up to nine times.

4. Don't forget to seek support for yourself

Living with a bipolar partner will keep you focused on their condition. However, don't let you forget your own health condition. You can join a support group for family members of bipolar patients, which can help and strengthen you in dealing with your partner. Support and understanding from family or other friends can also help you toughen up and get through this with your partner.

5. Keep yourself healthy

If you have a bipolar partner, you will unwittingly neglect your health. Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine also found that nearly a third of people living with bipolar people are particularly prone to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders.

Therefore, be aware of the symptoms of depression in yourself, especially fatigue, headaches, and continuous nausea. Immediately consult with your doctor to find treatments and drugs that are right for you.