Couples Reveal What Relationships are Like with Bipolar Disorder

When I was younger, I was diagnosed as Type II bipolar, which essentially meant that I was experiencing swings from depression to mania back and forth, but not quite to the extreme that I couldn’t get out of bed or was betting the house on the ponies or what have you.

Still, regardless of the severity of the case, it’s a heck of a thing to live with, whether you’re living with it yourself or living with it vicariously through someone else, as these anonymous contributors discuss.

10. Light hearted and cuddly

Where do our loved ones go when we can’t see them?

9. She doesn’t want me to hurt

Sometimes, that’s a little bit of an excuse.

8. Highly dependent

Can’t stay, can’t go, can’t say, can’t know.

7. My boyfriend and I both

Nothing brings us together and tears us apart like a shared adversity.

6. Refuses to go on meds

There comes a point when someone has to decide to be responsible for themselves.

5. She’s a lot of hard work

Surprisingly heartwarming twist on this one.

4. I wish he would take responsibility

Don’t use your diagnosis as an abdication of what’s required of you.

3. He’s been in such a low

It’s like you’re not even there right now, not really.

2. I love him so much

Love is a heavy thing to carry sometimes.

1. Struggles with derealization

“Derealization is a mental state where you feel detached from your surroundings. People and objects around you may seem unreal.”

Remember – there’s no shame in getting help.

Do you have experience with bipolar?

Tell us in the comments.