How to Tell your Significant Other that You have Bipolar Disorder

When you have bipolar disorder, it's very important to disclose this information to those closest to you so they understand the signs and symptoms of the disorder. Though this may not be necessary for all romantic relationships, if you find that you and your partner are getting serious, it may be time to tell them that you have bipolar disorder. This can be a scary thing to do since you don't know how your partner will react, so it's important to share this information properly.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain bipolar disorder's causes and triggers.

  Explain what bipolar disorder is and what the disorder is like for you. This should always be your first step since your partner may not even know about the disorder and be threatened just by the name. Make sure to give details about the symptoms of mania and depression that you personally experience.

• 2

  Your honesty will be appreciated.

  Be honest with your partner. Don't try to downplay the seriousness of your illness. The person may choose to walk away from the relationship, but it is your responsibility to make sure the person is well-informed about what to expect from you as your relationship progresses. Make sure they understand what is involved in dating someone with your disorder since relationships with bipolar individuals can be very complicated.

• 3

  Some people need more time than others to make a decision, so be patient.

  Allow your partner time to think about what you've said. The person may need a few days or just a few minutes to decide whether they're ready to accept you with your disorder. Don't try to rush your significant other into making a decision since this is a big decision to make. Be patient while letting them think, it's probably not that the person doesn't care about you, it's just that this new information is a shock and time is needed to think things over.

• 4

  Work together on ways to handle the disorder.

  Make a plan for your bipolar disorder together. You may already have a plan of action on what to do if you're having an episode. Let your partner know what that plan is and modify it to meet your specific needs. If you don't already have a plan, it's time to make one. It's important when making your plan to consider how to recognize symptoms of an episode, what methods work to make you stable, what your doctor's phone numbers are and what medications you're taking.

• 5

  Be ready to accept the decision the person makes, whatever it might be.

  Be prepared for your relationship to change. Now that your partner knows about your illness, it's only natural that your relationship will be different than before. You and your significant other may grow closer together or maybe even feel a little distant for a while. Try not to let these changes bother you, but accept them as they come.