What are the most prevalent reasons why bipolar relationships fail? Because there are so many variables to consider, the solutions are rarely easy. Relationships can be hard enough to handle on their own, but bipolar disorder can make things even harder. As a result, bipolar disorder breakups are not uncommon, but this does not imply that there aren’t many good, fulfilling, and long-lasting bipolar relationships.
Before we get into why bipolar relationships sometimes fail, let’s first explain bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness marked by significant mood, energy, activity level, and attention swings. Mood swings range from intense happiness, annoyance, or energized behavior (also known as manic episodes) to extreme melancholy, indifference, and helplessness.
Reasons why bipolar relationships fail
#1. Significant shifts in mood and behavior
Even though the symptoms of bipolar illness vary, this diagnosis includes both hypomanic and depressive periods. One reason bipolar relationships don’t work is because of the sudden changes in mood and behavior that come with bipolar episodes.
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#2. Ups and downs in emotions
It’s reasonable to be concerned about your spouse while they’re experiencing hypomania or mania because they can be reckless and out of character at those times. It can be unpleasant when their mood shifts toward the depressive range, especially if the partner expresses suicidal thoughts. This might send you on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving you puzzled, concerned, and helpless.
#3. Anger and irritability
One of the common myths concerning bipolar disorder is that people are happy while they are in mania. Manic episodes are more accurately described as periods of increased mood, including impatience and fury.
#4. Concentrate solely on the person suffering from bipolar disorder.
Having to deal with any ailment causes stress. The focus in a bipolar disorder relationship is often on supporting the individual suffering from the disease, even though the other partner is stressed and requires care.
One of the reasons that bipolar relationships fail is that individuals neglect to focus on the person apart from the illness. Attention must be paid to both spouses because the relationship will only thrive if they are both doing well.
#5. The stress of dealing with the symptoms
When there is a consistent and focused effort, treatment can be beneficial. However, effective treatment might be complex because many people miss their “up” moments and the euphoria of manic episodes, so they may attempt to induce such periods of elevated mood.
Is it true that all bipolar relationships fail?
When it comes to bipolar disorder, or any mental illness, for that matter, there are numerous myths. One of them is that bipolar disorder and relationships do not mix well, and the disease eventually destroys the tie. However, it is critical to note that bipolar people do not fail in relationships. Dating or living with someone who suffers from bipolar disorder may present significant difficulties. This is not to say that all bipolar relationships fail.
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Another widespread myth is about the reasons why bipolar relationships fail. Many people attribute bipolar breakdowns to the illness or the effects of coping with the symptoms. They may feel bipolar disorder is always the core reason for marriage collapse. However, relationships fail for different reasons, and they believe that a diagnosis is a primary cause contributing to the stigma associated with mental diseases. The truth is that the diagnosis is simply one component of bipolar breakdown.
Bipolar Relationship Cycle
A cycle in the context of bipolar disorder, a mental disease characterized by solid mood swings, is when an individual experiences one episode of mania or hypomania and one episode of depression. Unfortunately, no one knows how frequently these cycles occur.
Bipolar cycles vary in frequency and duration as much as the persons who experience them. A mood swing, or change, can persist for hours, days, weeks, or even months.
What are Bipolar Relationship Cycles?
A bipolar relationship cycle describes the numerous stages a person with bipolar disorder goes through. They often go through an initial stage of mania, characterized by high energy, enthusiasm, and, occasionally, agitation.
A person suffering from bipolar II disorder may experience hypomania rather than mania. Hypomania is related to fetish but has milder symptoms—a person can still function while suffering from hypomania.
A depressive stage follows the manic or hypomanic period of a bipolar cycle. An episode of bipolar disorder might last an entire day, several days, or several weeks.
What It Feels Like to Cycle With Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder who are having a cycle frequently describe themselves as being on a roller coaster. It can be exhausting and even terrifying to go through such a wide range of emotions in such a short period.
Cycling, for many persons with bipolar disease, makes them feel out of control. For example, during a manic episode, they may make decisions that they are ill-equipped to deal with when they transition to a depressive phase.
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During a manic episode, you may believe you are unique and robust. Then, during a depressive episode, you may feel empty and as if your life has no meaning. 1 Such severe emotional swings might be frightening.
Bipolar Relationship Breakup Cycle
While not all bipolar relationships fail, we all experience breakups at some point. For many of us, the termination of a relationship can be challenging to deal with. Relationship breakdowns, on the other hand, can be very challenging for persons with bipolar disorder, not only because of the emotional instability that results but also because of the change in routine, stress, and loss that can provoke either mania or despair.
#1. Let yourself experience the emotions.
Everyone has an adverse reaction when they are hurt or rejected, but if you have bipolar disorder, your reactions might be overwhelming. These feelings can be upsetting for someone with bipolar disorder, but they are a normal part of breaking up with someone. Allow yourself time to go through your emotions one at a time, and remember that they are a typical part of the grieving process once a relationship ends.
#2. Take precautions.
Breakups are complicated, so you owe yourself some sympathy. You must not blame yourself for the division, regardless of why the relationship ended or who was at fault. You’ll learn from your mistakes later on, but for now, the essential thing is to look after yourself and avoid indulging in activities that cause bipolar episodes.
#3. Consult your doctor for assistance.
When bipolar relationships fail, we frequently feel helpless. If your feelings become overwhelming, consult your doctor for more assistance. If you’re having a tough time, your doctor may advise you to change your prescription or increase your treatment sessions.
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#4. Stay in contact with your support network.
Your support network is essential during a bipolar relationship breakup, so ask for assistance if you require it. If you don’t have anyone close by to help you, don’t call your ex-partner unless it’s an emergency. You need to recover, and you won’t be able to if you keep in touch with the person you broke up with. Instead, consider joining a bipolar support group to help you manage your moods and avoid triggers.
What to do when Bipolar Partner Ignores You
When your bipolar partner cuts off all communication, try not to blame yourself because it isn’t your fault. They’re undoubtedly going through a rough patch with the disorder, and removing them from your life may help you manage the symptoms.
They require your unconditional love and compassion right now. Allow them the time and space they need to work through their problems. They may be too depressed to talk, but they may be reading your messages. Tell them they can rely on you and are in your thoughts. Take your mind off worrying during these more intense intervals. Instead, cultivate optimism by spending time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies.
Finally, when the situation is perfect, and they appear more emotionally stable, contact your bipolar partner to discuss how their behavior has affected your feelings.
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Bipolar Relationships Cheating
Infidelity is frequent in bipolar disorder; unfortunately, it can do long-term damage to a bipolar relationship. Of course, there are numerous causes for cheating in a marriage or committed relationship, and it’s critical to realize that having bipolar disorder does not exclude you from being faithful to a love partner.
Extramarital sex is frequently cited as a mania symptom in bipolar disease; however, while these symptoms help explain adultery, having bipolar disorder is not an excuse to cheat. The more you understand bipolar illness and infidelity, the sooner you can address your bipolar symptoms and get support for this prevalent issue. With this in mind, let’s consider why bipolar disorder and adultery frequently coexist and how to deal with the problem.
What Is the Truth About Bipolar Disorder and Infidelity?
The truth about bipolar disorder and adultery is that being bipolar does not guarantee that you will be unfaithful in your relationship. Still, according to the data, it does increase the likelihood of infidelity. If you have the bipolar disease, it doesn’t give you a “free license” to cheat, and it also doesn’t mean you should berate yourself if you have sex outside of the relationship. People with bipolar disease, like everyone else, must accept responsibility for their actions while learning from their mistakes.
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For people with bipolar disorder, infidelity is a little more complicated because this type of behavior is typically fueled by mania. The root of the adultery is not so much the person as it is their symptoms, which include poor judgment, a lack of impulse control, and hypersexuality, all of which are indications of a manic episode. In fact, “sexual indiscretions” are such a common sign of bipolar disorder that the DSM-5 lists them as a criterion for diagnosing it.
Conclusion
When we consider why bipolar relationships fail, we must also consider why some succeed. What separates one partnership might strengthen another. It all depends on how they approach the situation and deal with the resolution.
That much is correct. Bipolar disorder can pose additional hurdles to the relationship. But a diagnosis of mental illness in a partner is not a death sentence for the relationship.
Many couples make it work and live a happy, fulfilling life together. Focus on the person in front of you, not their diagnosis. Make a point of NOT approaching a problem due to the illness. Instead, look for other causes and focus on continuous treatment and self-care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bipolar relationships are so hard?
According to him, bipolar disorder can significantly impair a relationship. “The person, especially if left untreated, may be prone to swings in mood, demeanor, and interactions that can jeopardize the constancy that is the structure of a relationship.”
Can bipolar disorder destroy relationships?
The short answer is no. Many people with bipolar disorder have healthy relationships. Although bipolar disorder causes a significant number of failed relationships, this should not prevent people from becoming romantically linked with someone else.
Can someone with bipolar truly love?
Absolutely. Is it possible for someone with bipolar disease to have a regular relationship? Yes, with your and your partner’s help. When someone you care about suffers from bipolar disorder, their symptoms can be debilitating at times.
When should you give up on a bipolar relationship?
Several indications, according to Saltz, may suggest an unstable relationship, particularly with a partner who has bipolar disorder: You’re feeling like you’re the caregiver in the relationship, suffering from burnout, giving up your life ambitions, morals, and needs in order to remain with your spouse.
