Mostly a mental health disorder, bipolar disorder is a condition of life that has a high tendency to experience significant mood changes from the phase of euphoria (mania or hypomania) to the phase of sadness (depression). The sudden changes in the mood can alter sleep, activity level, judgement, behaviour, and thought processes.
Things one should know about bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder encompasses various types: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclical disorder.
- In the United States, approximately 2.8% of adults experience bipolar disorder, highlighting its prevalence and impact on society.
- Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode, which may be followed by hypomania or major depression, sometimes leading to psychosis and hospitalization.
- Bipolar II disorder is characterised by major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes but lacks full-blown manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder entails numerous periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms over at least two years, causing milder but persistent disruptions.
- Symptoms of mania or hypomania include heightened mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, excessive talkativeness, racing thoughts, and reckless behavior.
- Depressive episodes are marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.
- Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood but can emerge at any age, with symptoms varying between individuals and changing over time.
Bipolar Disorder x Mood Swing
Since bipolar disorder involves sharp swings between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), the two conditions are strongly associated. The illness is defined by these mood swings, which can range in severity and duration.
Manic or hypomanic episodes can cause someone to feel as follows:
- Unusually joyful or blissful state of mind.
- Elevated vitality and activity.
- increased agitation or irritation.
- mind racing and an inability to focus.
- impulsivity and taking chances with one’s actions.
- less necessity for sleep.
- increased grandeur and self-worth.
On the other hand, during melancholy episodes, people could encounter:
- enduring depressive, dismal, or empty sensations.
- loss of enjoyment or interest in formerly cherished activities.
- alterations in weight or hunger.
- sleep disorders, such as excessive sleeping or sleeplessness.
- exhaustion or low vitality.
- inability to focus, make judgements, or recall details.
- suicide or death-related thoughts.
Bipolar disorder is repetitive, which means that it has cycles, and therefore, the mood swings can change in intensity and frequency. Mood states may come and go in a rapid or a slow manner and each episode might last from a few days to several weeks or even more months.
having a relationship with a person who has bipolar disorder
Difficulty Relating: The task of comprehending and the attitude of the partner who is suffering from bipolar disorder, can be quite hard for those who are not having the condition, so they feel lonely, powerless, and angry. This lack of knowledge may lead to emotional distancing in the relationship and even create the problems of trust which is a major factor in the relationship.
Sexual Relations: Date-men with bipolar disorder can affect the sexual relations because of the fluctuations in the desire that are related to the manic and depressive episodes. The changes that occur, together with the low self-esteem and the negative images of intimacy that are prevalent in depressive episodes, can cause the relations to be stressed.
Work or School: Bipolar disorder can be such a hindrance to a person that he or she can’t be able to focus or learn in school or keep a job. This can be a source of stress for the relationship, especially if the partner has the responsibility to provide financial aid.
Self-Sacrifice: It is possible that the partners will have to forego their leisure time and self-care in order to care for their loved one. In this situation, both partners become a very heavy load for each other especially if they also have to deal with increased parenting and household responsibilities.
Physical Health: Independent of these illnesses, stress associated with the romantic relationship may appear in the form of physical symptoms such as muscle pain and insomnia, thus, increasing the need for the partner without bipolar disorder to seek medical care.
Ultimate Impact: Thus, the above mentioned factors can result in emotional distance and the disappearance of the social connection in the relationship. The individual with the bipolar disorder sometimes has the tendency to be a risk taker and this can be the cause of more stress on the relationship. This in turn will affect the trust and stability of the relationship.
Supporting Your Partner with Bipolar Disorder
Educating Yourself
Getting to know the details of such a disorder will give you a glimpse of your partner’s life. Ask the right health sources for information to have a clear knowledge of the condition.
Identifying Triggers
Notice the factors that may worsen your partner’s condition, for example, stressful situations, sleep disruptions, or missed doses of medication and avoid them. Although the reasons for triggers are different, knowing when they are about to happen can help to reduce their effect.
Recognising behavioural Patterns
Know about the typical behaviours of a person who is in a manic and depressive state. Thus, this awareness helps you to differentiate between regular behavior and the signs of bipolar disorder.
Empowering Treatment Support
Have talks with your partner about his treatment plan, thus creating a supportive atmosphere. Grasping their treatment facts and preferences can ease the anxiety and at the same time, will certainly strengthen the relationship.
Developing a Support System
The partners should jointly make a support plan, which will cover the activities, contacts and alter the daily routine to fit the special needs of the child. The scheme of things gives one a feeling of safety and makes the difficult times easier to handle.
Facilitating Open Communication
Promote the child to be truthful and sincere in the expression of their feelings and the sharing of their experiences. Showing emotions without any judgement creates a bond between the partners, and therefore they can understand each other and connect on a deeper level.
Prioritizing Self-Care
In order to give more support to your partner, you need to take care of your own mental health first. Activities to keep oneself busy during tough times are the following: sharing your feelings with friends and family, doing your favourite hobbies, staying fit by exercising, getting therapy, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and mindfulness.
Through mutual understanding and communication, education, and self-care you can create a supportive and resilient relationship with a partner who has bipolar disorder.
We welcome you to reach out to us at info@mindtopsychology.com for any questions or support regarding mental health. Your well-being matters, and we’re here to help.
