There are 7 great T relationship rules when your partner has bipolar disorder .
Kathy and I are together for five years. I find this astounding considering we both accepted bipolar depression. I have bipolar 1 and Kathy has bipolar II. Over those five years, we have grown and learned together. Our relationship has not been perfect, but it has blossomed into the best relationship both of us have ever had. That is why I am scripting this to share with you the principles we follow to possess an excellent relationship while living with bipolar.
Rule #1: The person with bipolar 8 depression has got to treat and manage their illness and still make every effort to treat and manage their manic depression.
Treatment is usually in the form of medication. They should also be following a bipolar management strategy.
To the partner: Rule number one is all about effort. You can not wholly control bipolar disorder. Once a person has bipolar disorder, it does not just go away. Bipolar disorder features a tenancy to display symptoms or get triggered at the strangest times. Proper treatment and management do lessen the symptoms, but they still happen. If the trouble to treat and manage this illness is there, that is all you will ask. There is no such thing as “perfect” stability, nor should you expect your loved one with bipolar disorder to be completely stable all of the time.
Rule #2: Educate yourself.
Kathy has bipolar II and that I have bipolar 1. When I met Kathy, I knew tons about bipolar 1 disorder and foolishly thought bipolar II was an equivalent. Let me say that assumption was almost disastrous. The different sorts of bipolar depression may sound just like the same illness, but each type has unique symptoms that affect the person differently.
Get to know the kind of bipolar disorder they have and its symptoms. You can not manage someone’s manic depression for them, but you will educate yourself on what good bipolar management is. Develop an understanding of the medication that has been prescribed, what it's meant to try to and possible side effects. Learn what the warning signs of relapse appear as if. Become aware of triggers and stressors. Understand the necessity for correct sleep, regular exercise and a healthy diet. Learn why there can sometimes be a need to limit alcohol intake and caffeine. Help within the way of a cheerleader, not the boss. Encourage rather than demand. Making sure Rule 1 is followed is of the utmost importance.
Rule #3: Both partners must build and use their network.
For the person with manic depression, this support team must include both professional and non-professional support. The person without bipolar, they might not need professional help, but they do need support beyond a friend and a few families. There are support groups for family and friends of those with mental illnesses.
Rule #4: It is not about them; it is about you.
This rule applies to both parties and takes tons of study and practice. If something is disturbing you, that is your problem, not your partner’s. Learning to reply instead of reacting is one of the foremost important skills you will develop. The advantage of learning this skill may be a surprisingly good relationship. This practice eliminates the blaming, the expectations and keeps your eyes firmly on you. This allows you to ascertain the great in your relationship and not specialise in the issues.
Rule #5: Deal with your issues through healthy support.
Deal with your couple’s issues through calm talks and convey outside help if you would like it. Do not weaponize the issues. Do not usher in past issues to be used on your partner to beat them down. If you are doing not use the issues as weapons, you will get along better.
Rule #6: Problems like addiction and other emotional issues (such as co-dependency) got to be addressed.
You deal with them in the same way you deal with bipolar disorder by using a support system. If there is a co-occurring disorder, do not force a partner to travel or be involved in your support. Remember, it is your support, not theirs.
Rule #7: If there is a clear and constant effort to try to do their best to manage their manic depression, you can not invite anything more.
For the partner of somebody with manic depression being involved with someone with manic depression are often diligence, but it is worthwhile. By following these rules, I hope your relationship features a better chance of growing and succeeding. Who knows. It could grow into the simplest relationship you ever had, as Kathy and mine has.
SOURCE
https://themighty.com/2021/08/relationship-advice-both-partners-bipolar-disorder/