This post contains some of the best loving someone with bipolar quotes.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
According to the DSM-5, Bipolar Disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by episodes of mood swings ranging from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression).
These shifting moods can last for days, weeks, or even months and can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, relationships, and ability to function.
To be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, an individual must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania, along with a depressive episode.
During a manic episode, the individual may experience elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, grandiosity, impulsivity, and sometimes, psychotic symptoms (delusions or hallucinations).
During a depressive episode, the individual may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
The duration, frequency, and intensity of these mood swings can vary from person to person, and some individuals may also experience mixed states, where they exhibit symptoms of both mania/hypomania and depression simultaneously.
Bipolar Disorder can be treated through various interventions, including medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Treatment is usually tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms, severity of illness, and preferences.
With proper management, many individuals with Bipolar Disorder are able to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Loving Someone With Bipolar Quotes
1. “As long as you understand the true limitations bipolar disorder places on your partner, and you continue to believe that your relationship is worth the work, your goals can take you where you want to go.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
2. “Bipolar can be a very scary word, especially when it’s used to describe someone you love.” – Cynthia G. Last
3. “Don’t allow bipolar disorder to define your relationship. Caretaking is not a foundation for a relationship and doesn’t create a loving and stable future.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
4. “Feelings of shame and secrecy also may be part of the bipolar experience for you and your loved one. Trying to keep the mood swings “quiet” and away from other people—friends, employers, employees, even relatives—can be an enormous, exhausting task.” – Cynthia G. Last
5. “Helplessness is only one of the feelings that spouses and partners of people with bipolar disorder experience. Fear and worry also are common emotions.” – Cynthia G. Last
Related: DBT For Bipolar: How To Self-Manage Bipolar Disorder Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
6. “I want a loving relationship where bipolar disorder is just an illness my partner and I manage together. I’m willing to do what it takes to make this happen.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
7. “If your spouse or partner has this illness, he or she is hardly alone, nor are you. In fact, bipolar disorder is present in more than 3% of our population.” – Cynthia G. Last
8. “It can be hard to maintain consistent loving feelings for a person who can turn on you on a dime.” – Cynthia G. Last
9. “It can be very scary—for those of you who have loved ones who have the more severe form of the illness—to watch the out-of-control behavior that can occur during manic highs and to live through the horrendous aftermath of serious risk-taking behavior.” – Cynthia G. Last
10. “Life with bipolar disorder may feel like a roller-coaster ride and it may cause terrible problems in your relationship, but once you learn the patterns of the disorder and specific strategies to treat the mood swings and their symptoms, you have a good chance of creating a stable and healthy relationship based on love, joy, and growth, instead of one based on living from crisis to crisis.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
11. “Living with and loving somebody who has bipolar disorder is a daunting task. You may be the type of person who has the emotional strength to readily take on the difficulties that bipolar disorder presents. Or maybe you don’t view yourself as particularly strong, steadfast, or as a natural nurturer; right now you just feel overwhelmed and confused. Either way, I expect that no one has given you guidance in how best to meet the challenges you’ve been handed.” – Cynthia G. Last
Healthy Relationship Checklist
12. “Maintaining a loving relationship has enough problems as it is, without having to deal with bipolar disorder and its troubles as well. It’s normal that you might feel cheated, angry, sad, or worried. You didn’t ask for this. This is not your illness, and yet you must live with it every day. The emotions this reality causes can be intense.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
Related: Caregiving vs Caretaking (The Savior Complex)
13. “Most people in loving relationships are willing to do almost anything for their partner during a crisis, but most life crises are time limited. There is often a rude awakening when one begins to really see the long-term nature of bipolar disorder.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
14. “Thinking about the major issues in your relationship that are caused by your partner’s bipolar disorder will help you understand what is working and what is not. You can learn to recognize what you can and can’t do. When you are clear about what you need, you will be able to talk to your partner rationally and compassionately about a plan that will treat the illness first.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
15. “Watching someone you love go through mood swings can be heartbreaking.” – Cynthia G. Last
16. “What does it mean to you to know that bipolar disorder is lifelong? Yes, the illness can be managed very successfully, but it will not go away. This means you will have to find a way to balance the many roles you will be asked to play to help your partner stay stable.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
17. “What no one tells you is that you have to make bipolar disorder goals as well. As the partner of someone with bipolar disorder, you need to create realistic goals that will reflect what you can and cannot do.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
18. “When you do talk with your partner about your needs and how you feel, be careful not to sound as if you are warning them about the consequences of their actions. That is, don’t say, You better do this or I’m going to leave. Instead, try to talk to your partner in a loving way and let them know you are trying to take care of yourself and ensure that your relationship will be stronger in the future.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
19. “When your partner is ill, their beliefs about themselves and the world are often distorted. If you try to talk with them about your relationship, work, or life in general, you often talk to the bipolar disorder instead of to the person you love. When you treat bipolar disorder first, with strategies that help both of you notice and ultimately prevent mood swings, your partner can become more rational and be more of the person you love.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
20. “One of the main reasons that bipolar disorder continues to ruin relationships is that it’s human nature to keep trying things that don’t work. You are not alone if you have consistently tried to help your partner with few positive results.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
21. “One key to treating the disorder successfully is knowing what you, as the partner of someone with bipolar disorder, are up against. It’s very important for you to get a solid handle on the multifaceted nature of this disorder so as not to be surprised by the various and sometimes confusing symptoms of the illness.” – Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston
Related: Top 25 Relationship Journal Prompts (+FREE Worksheets PDF)
How Bipolar Disorder Can Affect a Relationship?
The mood swings, impulsivity, and sometimes erratic behavior associated with Bipolar Disorder can create several challenges in relationships, including:
1. Communication difficulties: During manic episodes, individuals with Bipolar Disorder may talk excessively, interrupt others, or have racing thoughts that make it challenging to communicate effectively. During depressive episodes, individuals may withdraw from social interactions or struggle to express themselves.
2. Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior: During manic episodes, individuals with Bipolar Disorder may engage in impulsive or risky behaviors, such as spending money recklessly, engaging in dangerous sexual activity, or substance abuse. This can create significant stress for their partners, who may feel powerless to intervene or help them.
3. Emotional instability: The mood swings associated with Bipolar Disorder can make it difficult for partners to predict their loved one’s behavior or emotions. The unpredictability can create stress, anxiety, and tension in the relationship.
4. Interference with daily life: Managing Bipolar Disorder can be time-consuming and require significant effort, such as attending regular therapy sessions, taking medication, and making healthy lifestyle choices. This can interfere with daily life and create additional stress for both partners.
Conclusion
Bipolar Disorder can significantly impact a person’s relationships, including romantic partnerships, family relationships, and friendships.
However, with proper treatment, communication, and support, individuals with Bipolar Disorder can successfully manage their symptoms and maintain healthy relationships.
Couples therapy, support groups, and learning healthy communication techniques can be helpful for both partners.
References
- Portions of this article were adapted from the book When Someone You Love Is Bipolar, © 2009 by Cynthia G. Last. All rights reserved.
- Portions of this article were adapted from the book Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder, © 2012 by Julie A. Fast & John D. Preston. All rights reserved.
