~Can a Person With Bipolar Lead a Happy Life With A Partner~

Posted on by

The Following paragraphs below were in response to a question Via Quora

A women asked if there was any way someone with Bipolar Disorder could lead a healthy normal life (BTW What is Normal anyway?)The women had told me that her boyfriend was up and down, and a few times physically abusive  Below is my response. To her Question~

Yes, and no. It’s a double edged sword.
First it sounds to me like he is not managing his illness. The first step to mood stability is taking medication to level out the moods. This usually requires medication of the anticonvulsants family such as depakote, lamictal, topamax to name a few. Lithium is also awell known medication in regard to bipolar management.Next sleep is as important as meds. A proper sleep schedule should be in place. At least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Otherwise moods become unstable and a manic episode will follow. Next exercise is extremely important. This gets the brains neurons and transmitter firing the right type of dopamine through the brain the endorphins get released. At least 5 days a week he needs to get a good workout.

Then you have alcohol. A bipolar person simply shouldn’t drink at all. However I personally drink an occasional glass of wine without repercussions. Remember that the variables are vast in management of bipolar disorder and each person is unique in symptoms and treatment.

Next meditation and spirituality go a long way, I pray each day upon waking. I meditate later in the day. I can not stress enough of how God has helped me. I realize not all share my view in regard to God. But hey it’s all personal and more importantly what works for you. I will say that when I didn’t pray and have faith, I was not a happy camper, and all the meds in the world did not make a difference.

Today I’m on an extremely low dose of meds. I only take 250mg of Lamictal, and 100 mg of Trazadone, Xanax only when needed. My meds are mild in comparison to others I know. It was not alway be like this for me. But prayer and spirituality centered me. Changed me.

Now if any of the above is not being followed to the best of ones ability, it’s gonna be one hell of a ride.

To answer your question, yes it can be done. But the management is a hit and miss. One has to be diligent in order to stay with the realm of reality, and to thwart mood swings.

Research and read. Here are two books I highly recommend. This one is like a handbook for bipolar people.

Next one is ~Madness~ Marya Hornbacher does a phenomenal job of giving the perspective of a manic bipolar person. I just recently finished this book.

I #will tell you, both books will give great insight and ideas to you and your spouse.

Now the flip side. If he does not take treatment seriously, and does not manage his bipolar, then the answer to your question is a firm and loud NO!
You will not be able to lead any type of happy normal relationship and life unless steps are implemented and treatment is followed.

It took 3 and a half years to get my life right. Lots of loss and heartache along the way. Many relationships lost. Financial trouble.. Just huge mess. Even jail time.

If I can be of any further assistance please reach out to me via private message. I am more than willing to help in any way I can, and point you into the right directions.

Also get online and look for support groups in your area.

Good luck.

17 thoughts on “~Can a Person With Bipolar Lead a Happy Life With A Partner~”

  3. Pingback: ~Can a Person With Bipolar Lead a Happy Life With A Partner~ — Bipolar Tapestry~Poetic Thoughts - Cathys Crafty Designs

  4. Pingback: Amazing Post by Nicole Moncada - Cathys Crafty Designs

  5. Pingback: Can a Person With Bipolar Lead a Happy Life With A Partner – Living With The Unseen

  6. Amazing post!! You are SO RIGHT!! I follow the exact same practices as you, right down to praying every day. It works. I have been happily married to my second husband for 9 years. My first marriage lasted longer, but was a miserable nightmare almost daily. My meds are still pretty heavy as I have some additional issues to tend with (PTSD for one). I have been working with doctors since 1999 to get this right, and it is an ever continuing, process. One med will work for a while, then it won’t and we have to find a new one again. I’ve been through many of them after all this time, and experienced all the side effects. WOW what a bumpy ride! I actually take a combination of things now to make it work. Around 10-13 pills/gels/capsules a day with my coffee for breakfast everyday! Some are meds, some are supplements to counteract the meds side effects.
    May I share this on my blog? I love the advice you give and really would like my family to read it.

    Like

    Reply

  9. I read Madness, wow, such a haunting and intense read. When I was diagnosed bipolar, I did my research and read that book too. It made me think that I don’t have it as bad as some do. And yes, we (people with bipolar) can have a happy life, I used to think that was impossible. But sleep, meds and my family keep me sane.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • For me I have no family. I have a son. Very few friends on purpose. I’m truly happy in my heart you relate to my writing.

      Like all writers we doubt ourselves our work.

      I often do.

      But I keep going eventually it will fall in place

      Like

      Reply

      • Wow. Your story is truly inspiring. It moves me. I am very hesitant who I let into my circle. I’ve been hurt both physically and emotionally too many times, because I have a big heart. I have a small circle of friends and they are so great, I am blessed. Consider me a friend, an online friend from one blogger to another, one person to another. Yes you are correct, I’m always doubting my writing. It sure is nice to get positive feedback. Keep moving forward. You got this! 🤗

        Like

  10. Perfect post! information is on point! I take 600 mg of Lithium (total, 2 pills a day) and low dosage of Ativan to help me sleep. I hope one day to decrease the dosage but for now I am happy knowing that it for the most part keeps my moods in check. My condition was triggered from painful and abusive relationships (one in particualr, he has a chapter in my book) from the decade of my 20’s. I am well on my way in my 30’s, far enough removed from the trauma but it lingers still. I have my bad days but they have been replaced with mostly good ones. Keep fighting!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Thank you for sharing this encouraging brave story. Though I have not Bipolar D. I try to understand how others live with mental health problems, which helps me a lot.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment