Is it possible to live with a bipolar spouse

The person may welcome and enjoy sex one day, while rejecting affection the next day. These erratic behaviors can be quite challenging for all concerned, especially spouses. At times the person with bipolar disorder may experience manic or hypomanic episodes manic but more controlled and less extreme during which they can be fun, interesting, talkative, upbeat and full of energy. At other times, the person may experience depression that effects them physically, spiritually and soulfully.

The spouse might feel confused, not knowing how to deal with certain behaviors. The tricky part comes up when neither you nor your spouse knows bipolar disorder may be behind the tension and trouble between the two of you. People can go years and even decades without a diagnosis or treatment. It might take you to get them in for a diagnosis. If your spouse has experienced debilitating periods of sadness, followed by periods of high excitement and activity, he or she may have bipolar disorder.

If your spouse or significant other has been unusually excited or active for a week at a time and displays three of the symptoms listed below, talk with your healthcare provider about bipolar disorder.

The lifelong condition tends to run in families, although the cause of bipolar disease is unknown. However, it can often be successfully managed through treatment.

There are two primary types of bipolar disorder :. Bipolar 1 is a more severe form of the illness and is defined by manic episodes that have one of these characteristics:. Hypomanic episodes may include:. Bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of medications and therapy.

However, successful treatment can be a challenge since many people miss the euphoria and energy of manic episodes. Sometimes those with bipolar disorder will even intentionally trigger a manic episode. For example, a person might want the high energy that comes with a manic episode to get a project done.

This can take place at therapy sessions, during regular checkups or whenever necessary to discuss troubling symptoms. Many people with bipolar 1 do well on lithium, a mood-stabilizing drug. Those with bipolar 2 may not fully respond to medications often used to treat bipolar disorder.

For many people, getting married is a positive experience and aspiration. Being married provides an emotional connection and partnership in life. However, every relationship has its challenges. When one partner in a marriage has bipolar disorder, the relationship can become complicated when they are unwell. Communication between partners may not be as fluid while a partner is going through a manic or depressive episode. However, communication is crucial for understanding between partners.

Additionally, research demonstrates that couples believe a level of emotional disclosure is vital to their relationships. In a study where researchers interviewed the wives of patients with bipolar disorder, they uncovered that wives felt helpless, frustrated, and hypervigilant when their spouses were unwell. Ultimately, bipolar disorder and the emotional impact it has on partners can weaken their communication.

Additionally, research suggests that during mania, a person may participate in risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex or cheating on their spouse.

Being a parent can be rewarding yet taxing at times. For people with bipolar disorder, stressful situations can cause changes in mood. When they are unwell and unable to assist with family responsibilities, this can take a toll on the other partner. Compassion from both partners toward each other can go a long way in a marriage in which one spouse has bipolar disorder. The partner with the condition may have feelings of guilt, shame, and fear because of the impact of a mood episode on the relationship.

Learning how to take care of themselves and support each other can strengthen the relationship. There are many ways you can help a spouse with bipolar disorder, including:. You must also remember to take care of yourself. Some ways to do that include:. In such cases, the partners may want to consider divorce as an option. Due to stigma, people often associate violence with mental health conditions.

The truth is that most people with a mental health diagnosis are not violent. However, abuse can occur when there are extreme changes in mood or when drugs or alcohol are involved. Irritability and impulsiveness that accompany mania can lead to a dangerous situation. Abuse can appear in many forms, including emotional, physical, or financial, and determining the best course of action to protect oneself can be scary.

Leaving a dangerous situation cannot always happen immediately for safety or other reasons e. Once a person is resolved about leaving a relationship, it can help to seek support about the safest way to exit the situation.

Walking away from a marriage can be a difficult choice. It might feel like the time to leave if:. Alternately, the partner with bipolar disorder may be the one to decide the relationship is not beneficial for their well-being anymore.

Some signs might be:. Seeking psychotherapy to help clarify these issues can be important for both partners in the relationship. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme fluctuations in mood, which can make for a challenging living environment.

If your spouse has bipolar disorder, there are efforts you can make to support them and also take care of yourself. Living with a spouse who has bipolar disorder can be challenging. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Romantic Relationships: When to Say Goodbye.

Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Unhealthy signs Things to try How to end the relationship Self-care after a breakup Takeaway People with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder experience extreme shifts in mood that can result in manic or depressive episodes. Signs the relationship is unhealthy. Constructive things to try before saying goodbye. Tips for ending the relationship.

Healing and caring for yourself after a breakup. The takeaway. Read this next. Medically reviewed by N. Bipolar Disorder vs. Medically reviewed by Kendra Kubala, PsyD. Medically reviewed by Karin Gepp, PsyD. Bipolar Disorder and Sleep Problems.