Living with a bipolar partner is very hard. No matter how much you love your partner, their erratic behavior and the chaotic environment their mood swings create can shake the foundation of even the strongest relationships. Of course, no marriage or long-term partnership is easy. At least 40 percent of all marriages in the United States and Canada fail, but a study in Psychology Today estimates 90 percent of marriages involving a partner with bipolar disorder fail.
That’s a sobering number, but you don’t have to let your marriage become another sad statistic. If you’re living with a bipolar partner, here are three tips to help you beat the odds and maintain a healthy and long-lasting relationship.
Living with a Bipolar Partner Tip #1: Educate Yourself
Educating yourself about your partner’s bipolar disorder is more than just understanding what bipolar disorder is; it’s also about recognizing the bipolar triggers that cause your partner to become manic or depressive so you can help your partner avoid them or be prepared when a episode rears it’s ugly head. The more you know about your partner’s disorder, the better equipped you’ll be to help your partner and keep things in perspective.
Living with a Bipolar Partner Tip #2: Watch for Warning Signs
Medication works really well at helping your partner control his or her bipolar symptoms, but there may be times when symptoms get worse or your partner stops taking their medication without your knowledge. Know the warning signs that your partner is about to go into a manic or depressive episode so you can take action right away and help your partner before they spiral out of control.
Mania Warning Signs:
Speaking rapidly
Elevated mood
Restlessness
Sleeping less
Increased activity level
Irritability or aggression
Aggression Warning Signs:
Sleeping more
Fatigue or lethargy
Trouble concentrating
Loss of interest in activities
Withdrawing from others
Change in appetite
Living with a Bipolar Partner Tip #3: Take Care of Yourself
Living with a bipolar partner is very difficult. Constantly taking care of someone else’s needs and neglecting your own will put you on the fast track to burnout, which doesn’t help anyone. Don’t let your partner’s illness consume you. The only way to cope with the stress of caring for a bipolar partner is to take care of yourself emotionally and physically. First, seek support through therapy or a support group. Second, don’t lose focus on your own life or give up friendships or activities that bring you joy. Third, keep your stress under control by living a healthy lifestyle and getting plenty of sleep. Finally, set boundaries. There’s only so much one person can do, so be realistic about what you’re willing and able to do without feeling overwhelmed, guilty or resentful.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in California
If you or your partner suffers from bipolar disorder, there are bipolar treatment centers in California that can help you get your disorder under control and teach you the skills needed to live a normal life with minimal recurring episodes.
Casa Palmera is a renowned bipolar treatment center in California that focuses on holistic methods of bipolar treatment to reconnect your body, mind and emotions. In addition to traditional bipolar treatments like medications, psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Casa Palmera offers holistic treatments like yoga, acupuncture and natural/herbal medicines to treat your entire well-being.
Don’t let bipolar disorder control your life any longer. Take back control by calling Casa Palmera today.
About the author
