Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder oscillate between periods of mania (elevated moods and energy) and periods of depression (low moods and energy). These mood shifts, along with other common symptoms like impulsivity and hypersexuality, can potentially impact romantic relationships.
Summary
There is some evidence that people with bipolar disorder may be more likely to experience relationship problems and breakups compared to the general population. However, the research is limited and mixed. Some key points:
- Manic episodes can cause erratic, impulsive behavior which may strain relationships.
- Depressive episodes can cause emotional withdrawal, neglect of the partner, and loss of interest in sex.
- Symptoms like impulsiveness and hypersexuality may lead to cheating, damaging trust.
- The emotional rollercoaster of bipolar may exhaust partners over time.
- Stigma surrounding mental illness may also undermine relationships.
- With proper treatment and commitment, many people with bipolar disorder do have healthy long-term relationships.
- Developing relationship skills like communication, self-awareness and cognitive restructuring can help.
In summary, while bipolar disorder introduces unique challenges, it does not preclude healthy relationships. With work, empathy and effective treatment, people with bipolar can and do sustain lasting partnerships.
Do people with bipolar disorder have more relationship problems?
Several studies have explored whether bipolar disorder is linked to higher rates of relationship difficulties and dissolution:
- A 2016 analysis of 6 studies found that people with bipolar disorder were more likely to be divorced or separated than the general population.
- A 2004 study found that after 10 years, about 75% of people with bipolar I were divorced, versus 31% of people without mental illness.
- A 2010 study found people with bipolar had more overall relationship problems compared to people with other mental illnesses.
- However, other studies have found no significant differences in separation or divorce rates when controlling for factors like demographics and socioeconomic status.
Overall the research is mixed, but there seems to be some indication that romantic relationships for people with bipolar disorder are more vulnerable to difficulties and dissolution. However, it’s important to note relationships are complex – mental illness is not the only factor impacting their success or failure.
Potential reasons for relationship challenges
There are several ways bipolar disorder may potentially contribute to relationship problems:
Manic behavior
During manic episodes, people with bipolar disorder can exhibit erratic, impulsive, and hyperactive behavior. They may make big and potentially damaging life decisions on a whim, like gambling away savings, engaging in affairs, or going on impractical spending sprees. This type of behavior can shock, bewilder and alienate relationship partners.
Depressive withdrawal
In contrast, depressive episodes may cause people with bipolar to withdraw from their partners and neglect the relationship. They may lose interest in maintaining social contact, intimacy, or sexual relations during these periods.
Mood swings and instability
The constant up-and-down cycling between manic highs and depressive lows can feel like an emotional rollercoaster for partners. Coping with the radical mood swings and instability of bipolar disorder can be exhausting over time.
Impulsiveness and hypersexuality
Common symptoms of bipolar like impulsivity, hypersexuality and sensation-seeking may damage trust and fidelity in relationships. Partners may feel betrayed or insecure due to extra-relational affairs or overly flirtatious behavior during manic phases.
Communication difficulties
Symptoms like racing thoughts, distractibility and disorganized thinking during manic or depressive states can make it difficult for people with bipolar disorder to communicate clearly and consistently with their partners.
Financial stresses
Uncontrolled spending during manic episodes, combined with impaired functioning during depression, can lead to money problems that create financial stress for the couple.
Stigma
The stigma surrounding mental health issues may undermine relationships as well. A partner who lacks understanding of bipolar disorder may have unsympathetic or judgmental attitudes that breed resentment and emotional distance.
Can people with bipolar disorder have healthy relationships?
While bipolar disorder does introduce unique relationship challenges, it does not preclude healthy long-term partnerships. With effective management of symptoms, commitment from both partners, and proactive relationship care, people with bipolar can and do sustain lasting and fulfilling bonds.
Here are some tips that may help strengthen relationships when one partner has bipolar disorder:
Get effective treatment
Medication and psychotherapy are crucial for managing bipolar symptoms. When symptoms are properly controlled, destructive manic behaviors and depressive withdrawing are less likely to damage relationships.
Communicate openly
Honest, assertive and constructive communication helps both partners articulate their feelings, needs and coping limits regarding bipolar symptoms and mood swings.
Educate your partner
Teaching partners about the biological causes of bipolar disorder, its typical symptom patterns, and effective management techniques helps foster understanding and compassion.
Watch for early warning signs
Partners should collaborate to monitor for subtle signs of emerging manic or depressive episodes so interventions can be deployed quickly to mitigate symptoms before they disrupt the relationship.
Establish relationship ground rules
Agreeing on boundaries and ground rules around issues like finances, fidelity, socializing and symptom management helps reduce conflict and chaos when manic or depressive symptoms arise.
Join a bipolar support group
Support groups provide proven benefits for both people with bipolar disorder and their romantic partners. They provide education, tools, peer support and hope that healthy relationships are possible.
Enlist professional help
Couples counseling or relationship coaching can help partners navigate the unique challenges of bipolar disorder constructively. Therapists provide research-backed techniques to foster stability, empathy, communication, and intimacy.
Practice relationship skills
Skills like emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, conflict resolution and mindfulness can counteract negative thinking patterns and intense emotions that strain relationships when bipolar symptoms arise.
Reinforce commitment regularly
During stable periods, take time to consciously reinforce the relationship by doing shared rewarding activities, expressing affection, reminiscing about good times, and articulating reasons for staying together.
The outlook for relationships when one partner has bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder undoubtedly creates distinctive hurdles in romantic relationships. Mood swings, emotional instability, and impulsive behaviors associated with the disorder can undermine bonds between partners.
However, the prognosis for relationships is not necessarily grim. With diligent symptom management, constant caring communication, education about the disorder, establishing healthy boundaries, and practicing relationship skills, many couples find it possible to sustain happy, lifelong relationships despite the challenges of bipolar disorder.
Key Takeaways
- People with bipolar disorder appear to have higher rates of relationship problems and dissolution compared to the general public based on some studies.
- Manic, depressive and impulsive symptoms associated with bipolar may undermine relationship stability in some cases.
- However, bipolar disorder does not preclude healthy long-term relationships, especially when the illness is properly managed.
- Education, communication, professional help, relationship skills training, commitment and support can strengthen the bonds between partners facing bipolar challenges.