Bipolar Relationships: A Matter Of Management

Just like everyone else, bipolar disorder sufferers are people with feelings, with relationships, with lives to live. While their lives may not be that ideal, bipolar relationships do exist. One just has to keep track of a few things to manage those relationships.

It's About Relationship Management

Yes, it is possible to have relationships even if you have bipolar disorder. Although your first impulse may be to keep your condition a secret, and just revert to your shell and shy away from others, there is life beyond your bipolar disorder actually. Don’t worry, you can share your condition, with others who will understand and care.

It is simply relationship management, although for someone with manic depression may have a harder time doing this. But definitely, it is the time when there is a need for love, friendship, and acceptance. More than ever, now is the time for a person with bipolar disorder to talk to someone, share his experiences, his concerns and problems.

It is possible to maintain friendships and intimate relationships even if you have bipolar disorder. Your friends and classmates should be made aware of your bipolar condition. They are your most immediate and regular sources of support next to your family. Actually you will spend probably more time with friends and classmates than with family members. So you need to know how to deal and relate with them, and vice-versa.

Living with bipolar disorder is manageable and may even be enjoyable if you know what to look for and where to look. Find true friends who will always be there to support. Find friends who share your hobbies, your likes, your interests. Join a book or art club. Volunteer for social development work. Keep an open mind for new friends. Find support groups whether in your community or online for your particular bipolar disorder. Don’t be afraid to meet new people whether personally or online. Keep yourself busy and engrossed in team or group activities to maintain that rapport with your friends and peers.

Intimate relationships are also possible for those with bipolar disorder. Some may say even a normal person may have a hard time going into an intimate relationship, what more a person with bipolar disorder? The danger is there really, as the stress of a romantic relationship and keeping that relationship may be too much for some, but again it all boils down to relationship management.

Before going into an intimate relationship, you should make an assessment of yourself as to your readiness to do so. The stage of your treatment and therapy of your bipolar disorder condition may also be a factor. When you are at the earliest stages of treatment, you may be well advised to defer that special relationship for a little while later. You need to limit your stress factors as much as possible and too much stress, even from building or starting a relationship, may not be helpful.

Make a ladder approach to the relationship. Start with the friendship part first. You may be more comfortable with friends first before going for something deeper and more intimate. Sometimes it will be to your advantage if a friend who knows your condition turns out later on to be your more intimate partner. Dating will be easier as he or she is more or less aware already and is ready for any eventuality (or mood swing).

Going into the sexual level should come naturally after a long-term and caring relationship. It should not be forced. Tell your partner about your condition as the initial sexual encounters may be a challenge because of your condition (for example, achieving an erection may be harder for a depressed person).

The bottom line is, you may have bipolar disorder, you may have mood swings, you may be manic one moment, and totally depressed the next, but then again, you are not a bad person. Reaching out to others, being more transparent and open, letting them know the real you underneath the manic and depressive episodes, will be the start of building those relationships. Don’t be afraid; don’t be ashamed. You should be proud because despite the limitations set on you by your bipolar disorder, you can still manage and maintain those bipolar relationships.