Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who with a private practice in Pennsylvania. If you are currently dating someone with bipolar disorderyou may struggle with a number of challenges like how you just click for source support them while still caring for yourself. Knowledge is power, so learn as much as you can about your partner's disease.

This will also be a healthy sign that you care. That being said, bipolar disorder is a complex disease. Try not to get too bogged down in the details. Instead, focus on the big picture like what a manic episode is or how to recognize signs of depression. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. It is important when you are dating someone with bipolar bipolar to recognize that their disease is a piece of their life pie, and not their whole identity.

That being said, to a large degree, a person's bipolar disorder contributes significantly to their behavior, personality, and relationships.

On a first date, you wouldn’t know I live with bipolar disorder.

With that, you do have to learn to love the whole package, so to speak. Whether or not you are dating someone with bipolar disorder, it's important to discuss major topics, when you are both ready. For instance, if you really want children but the person you are dating does not, this may be a deal-breaker.

That said, if your boyfriend or girlfriend is undergoing therapy, it is reasonable to discuss whether attending their doctor's appointments would be helpful—and do not be offended if they say "no. When you do start to become more involved in their life and care, discuss warning signs of a manic or depressive episode. Perhaps, there is a phrase or signal you can provide to clue them in that they are having a rapid mood change.

Of course, this is all best reviewed under the guidance of a mental health professional. This way you and the person you are dating can navigate any mood shifts safely and carefully.

Let’s Talk About Dating With Bipolar Disorder

It is absolutely critical that you take care of your own physical and emotional needs. You may consider seeing a therapist for yourself, as a means of evaluating your own thoughts and stresses from being in a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder. You also have to know when and if you need to leave a romantic relationship—like if the person you are dating becomes dangerous, stops getting therapy, or becomes too unstable for you.

Understanding your boundaries and what you are willing to accept needs to be crystal clear. In addition, continue to take care of your type body's needs like eating nutritiously, sleeping, and exercising. Be sure to keep up your relationships with other friends and loved ones, someone, as embarking on a relationship with someone with bipolar disorder is not the time to isolate yourself. Joining a support group to both gain knowledge and emotional support can also be incredibly helpful. You can have a fulfilling and loving partnership with someone who has bipolar disorder, but it will require work with both sides, boundaries, and professional support and guidance.

Psych Central. Suicide attempts in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Bipolar Disord. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Price AL. Marzani-Nissen GR. Bipolar Disorders: A Review. Am Fam Physician. By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing.

Bipolar Angeles los gay sites dating. Living With. By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse. Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn dating our editorial process. Learn more. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, someone the latest evidence-based research. Dating is reviewed visit web page publication and upon substantial updates.

Is It Ok to Date Someone With Bipolar Disorder?

Block, MD. Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Learn about our Medical Review Board. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Get Educated on Bipolar Disorder. Separate the Person from the Disease. Discuss Major Topics.

Be an Advocate. Take Care of Type. Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Women. The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Sex. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and computer hookup our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

See Our Editorial Process. Meet Our Review Board. Share Feedback. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Related Articles.