HOW CAN BIPOLAR DISORDER AFFECT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?

Bipolar disorder can cause a person to feel very good at once, but to become withdrawn after a while. Bipolar disorder can cause a person to take on moods that fit the definition of manic depression.

Bipolar disorder is defined as a brain disease related to the deterioration of the biochemical function of the brain. According to studies, the prevalence of bipolar disorder in the community is between 1 and 5 percent. 

Bipolar disorder can sometimes be a challenging and at times devastating psychological illness not only for the person diagnosed, but also for their friends, romantic partners, and family members. In this article, we will try to share how this disorder affects you and your relationships and offers solutions.

1. What Is Bipolar Disorder Briefly?

We all have ups and downs in our lives, days when it feels good and days when it feels bad. But if you have bipolar disorder, these ups and downs are very sharp. Bipolar disorder symptoms impair your work and school performance, damage your relationships, and interfere with your daily life.

1. Manic Period And Symptoms

• To deal with the disease periods, the mania or exuberance period is the period when the mood is very high and the patient is overly enthusiastic.
• In this period, exaggerated important thoughts or projects that do not touch the ground are examples of symptoms that are seen as feeling much higher than they are.

Like:

• Hyperactivity
• Less sleep than in the past
• Increased libido and overconfidence
• Impatience and constant money spending
• Increased creativity and fast speech
• Alcohol and drug use

2. In The Depressive Period

On the other hand, the period of depression or depression is the opposite of the situation written above. 

In depression:

• The patient may experience unhappiness, pessimism, hopelessness,
• Decrease in self-confidence, feelings of worthlessness,
• Exaggerated feelings of guilt or regret,
• Not being able to enjoy the activities he used to enjoy, and changes such as loss of appetite or insomnia.
• Forgetfulness
• Suicidal tendency, attempting suicide
• Drawing away from family and close circle of friends

2. Effects Of Bipolar Disorder On Romantic Relationships

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder can result in a struggle to maintain functions of daily living and can also affect relationships. But with the right treatment, you can manage your bipolar disorder and your relationships.

The characteristics of people with bipolar disorder are reflected in their relationships. A relationship with a bipolar partner is a situation where both parties struggle from time to time.

1. They Act Without Thinking About The Consequences Of Their Actions

A person in a mania period acts without thinking about the future, without calculating the consequences of their actions. Takes an extreme and baseless attitude of belittling or ignoring potential bad consequences and overcoming anything. This situation may cause them to have problems with their close friends, who try to control their behavior.

The most important part of forming functional relationships with someone with bipolar disorder is keeping the lines of communication open and being willing to maintain that relationship. 

2. They Don't Want To Get Out Of Their Routine

Another thing that can affect a person with bipolar disorder's ability to relate is the routine they feel compelled to stick to. People with mental disorders often rely heavily on a routine to stay healthy.

A rigid schedule can force the person with bipolar to forego nightly gatherings, parties, places where alcohol is served, and other activities that don't fit the schedule. But these strict rules also make it difficult to establish bilateral relations.

Being honest and forthright and trying to learn are essential components of creating a positive and trusting dynamic.

3. They Live All Their Emotions On The Extremes

Bipolar individuals experience not only negative emotions but also emotions such as love and affection with enthusiasm and extremes. However, this explosion of love brings with it the feeling of jealousy and fights. Since there are sudden and sharp spiritual changes like this, it is very difficult for spouses to adapt to these changes.

4. Difficulty adapting to changes in their mood

During the depression period, hopelessness and negative thoughts dominate the bipolar individual.

During this period, great negative energy emerges in the relationship, as the bipolar person will distance himself from everything he used to enjoy doing. The person may enter into a state of unhappiness so great that even wants to commit suicide. The person is constantly angry, aggressive and introverted.

For all these reasons, it is very difficult to communicate with a bipolar partner who is depressed. Since it closes itself to the outside world, it also prevents it from being reached.

3. Establishing A Healthy Relationship

Getting treatment is very important in managing bipolar relationships. Despite everything, healthy relationships can be established with the right help.

Ideally, both people should have a willingness to participate in a treatment plan. When two people benefit from bipolar disorder treatment, the results are much more successful. A better understanding of symptoms, knowledge of how to communicate, and the ability to see triggers are all positive outcomes of seeking treatment together.

1. Things To Consider For A Healthier Relationship

• First of all, it is the most important step to understand the situation of your partner or yourself. In this way, you can see more clearly the steps you need to take.
• Bipolar disorder is very difficult for the person living as well as the environment. For this reason, it will be beneficial for individuals to get professional help from both parties when necessary.
• You need to realize the importance of your role in this process. However, this does not mean that you are your partner's caregiver. If the person sees you as a cop, this can do more harm than good.
• Don't ignore bipolar disorder and its consequences, but accept and try to understand. Ignoring it will complicate things.
• A large part of their behavior during a manic or depressive episode is out of their own will, out of their control. It's good to remember this.