Navigating A Relationship With A Bipolar Girlfriend

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition marked by changes in mood, cognition, and behavior. One of the most common mood disorders, bipolar disorder causes people to shift between periods of elevated mood (characterized by high energy, goal-directed behavior, and feelings of euphoria) and low mood (marked by low energy, lack of motivation, and feelings of sadness). Bipolar disorder can significantly impact an individual’s career, mental and physical health, and relationships.

However, there are ways to overcome these obstacles and enjoy a fulfilling relationship with someone who experiences bipolar disorder. In this article, we’ll discuss bipolar disorder, common symptoms, and how bipolar disorder can affect relationships.

Understanding bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects the brain and how someone thinks and interacts with the world. A person who has bipolar disorder might experience significant changes in mood and energy level, depending on the type of bipolar disorder they have.

Five types of bipolar disorder

There are five types of bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

• Bipolar I disorder

• Bipolar II disorder

• Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia)

• Specific bipolar and related disorders

• Unspecified bipolar and related disorders

To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, a person just has to have experienced at least one manic episode. Contrary to what many people may think, a depressive episode isn’t required for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder. For a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder, a person has to have experienced at least one manic episode and at least one depressive episode.

To be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder, a person must have experienced symptoms of mania and depression for at least two years, but the symptoms typically aren’t severe enough to qualify as full-blown episodes of mania or depression. The other two types of bipolar disorder typically involve symptoms that don’t fit neatly into these categories of bipolar disorder I, bipolar disorder II, or cyclothymia. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, people with these types of bipolar disorder often still experience “clinically significant abnormal mood elevation.” 

Manic and depressive episodes in a bipolar girlfriend

Being in a relationship with a person with bipolar disorder can be challenging as a result of the manic highs and depressive lows they may experience. During a manic episode, your girlfriend may have a great deal of energy and say she’s feeling “jumpy” or “wired.” She may have insomnia or be more active than usual. You might notice her talking quickly and changing topics frequently. She might feel as though her thoughts are going too fast and think she can do several things at once. She may also be irritable or engage in risky activities. These manic episodes can be confusing to those not experiencing them.

Understanding and giving support to your bipolar girlfriend

If your girlfriend has a depressive episode, she may seem like an entirely different person at times. She might seem “slowed down” or tired. She might not eat, or she might overeat. She might have trouble concentrating and forget things. She may also feel worried or empty, and she may have a general sensation that she cannot enjoy anything. She may sleep too much, or she might have insomnia. These depressive episodes can make it hard to know what to do for your girlfriend.

Navigating bipolar disorder with love and communication

Navigating a relationship with someone who has bipolar disorder may require patience. Whether your girlfriend refuses treatment or hasn’t found a treatment that works for her, it may be challenging for both of you when she’s experiencing symptoms. However, there are strategies you can use to try to navigate the difficulties that arise from bipolar disorder.

How bipolar disorder can affect a happy relationship

Experiencing unpredictable shifts in mood when a romantic partner is experiencing an episode can be difficult. If your girlfriend has a manic episode, she might seem more alert and full of energy, but she may also be more prone to reckless and risky behaviors. People experiencing a manic episode may not be able to think about the future and calculate risks as they normally would.

At the same time, being with someone who has bipolar disorder when they are experiencing a depressive episode can be just as challenging. Your girlfriend may not want to do anything with you, and she might have difficulty even getting out of bed. She may sleep for many hours at a time and not want to see friends and family members. This could affect your relationship, even though it may have nothing to do with your or her feelings for you.

Therapy and medication options for bipolar disorder

When well-managed, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can have a significantly reduced impact on an individual’s life and relationships. However, non-adherence is common among people with the condition, meaning many people stop treatment. Refusing treatment can be another challenge for relationships in which one person lives with bipolar disorder. 

Medication may be necessary for managing bipolar disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, mood stabilizers tend to be the most common medications used for bipolar disorder. In addition to medication, a person with bipolar disorder may also need talk therapy, which may help them stay on their medication to reduce episodes. When a person with bipolar disorder refuses professional help or medication, their symptoms may be worse than normal.

Supporting self-care in a relationship

A person living with bipolar disorder may benefit from self-care activities, such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises. Research shows that breathing exercises, such as box breathing, can alleviate anxiety associated with bipolar disorder. To practice box breathing, take a deep breath in for a four count, hold your breath for a four count, breathe out for a four count, and then hold your breath again for a four count. Repeat this process three to four times. 

However, they may not have the motivation to try these activities during a depressive episode. It might not be helpful to pressure your girlfriend to do something she doesn’t want to do during an episode. This can be hard to accept when you feel it's in her best interest.

Support for bipolar disorder through online therapy

Some people may find it difficult to seek out professional help for bipolar disorder. They may feel embarrassed about their manic symptoms and fear speaking to someone about the challenges their behavior causes themselves and others. On the other hand, depressive symptoms may make it hard for individuals with bipolar disorder to find the energy or motivation to leave their house for a therapy session.

In these cases, online therapy could break down some of these barriers to treatment. With online therapy, a person living with bipolar disorder can meet with a licensed therapist from the comfort of their home via audio, video, live chat, or a combination of these methods. They may also find the online environment more conducive to discussing sensitive topics like the effect their condition has on their relationships.

The effectiveness of online therapy has been demonstrated by numerous peer-reviewed studies. One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that an online mindfulness-based therapeutic intervention helped improve the quality of life of people with late-stage bipolar disorder. Another study published in the journal Cureus found that online therapy was effective for bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, among other conditions.