How to Make a Bipolar Marriage Work
Living with a bipolar person isn’t easy. And if you’re married to a person who suffers from bipolar disorder, you’ve likely experienced their rapid mood swings and irrational thinking. Rather than give up on the relationship, learn how to make a bipolar marriage work.
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Instructions
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Educate yourself on the disorder. Bipolar is a serious mental illness, in which sufferers act and behave extremely irrational. To make a bipolar marriage work, you’ve got to understand the condition. Talk to professionals, or educate yourself by reading books and pamphlets.
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Communicate and offer your support. It can be difficult to support a bipolar spouse. They may be rational one minute, and completely different the next. In addition, they may push you away. Let your spouse know that you care, and assure them of your love.
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Join a family support group. If you want to talk, or you need support, look for local support groups. Network groups are excellent because they provide a forum for spouses and other family members to relate their experience, and speak with others in the same situation.
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Take time for yourself. Living with a bipolar spouse can take all your time and energy. Rather than revolve your life around their mental illness, be sure to take time for yourself.
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Learn their trigger points. Oftentimes, people who suffer from bipolar disorder have specific trigger points. This might include a messy house, bad weather or disappointments. Keep a chart of your spouse’s mood swings, and attempt to pinpoint factors that initiate a bipolar episode.
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Watch for unusual behavior. In severe cases, bipolar disorder sufferers may attempt suicide. Suffering from extreme anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse and feelings of hopelessness can intensify negative thoughts.
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