Bipolar Disorder: How To Manage Romantic Relationships - Healthline

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Guide to Bipolar Disorder and Relationships

Medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW, ACSW, RDDP — Written by Erica Cirino — Updated on March 13, 2025

When you have bipolar disorder
When your partner has bipolar disorder
Takeaway

Bipolar disorder can cause shifts in mood, which may affect relationships. Open communication and honesty can help you maintain a healthy relationship when one person is managing the condition.

The rapid shifts in mood associated with bipolar disorder can make communicating and socializing difficult.

While the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be managed with medication and psychotherapy, they can still affect relationships, especially romantic ones.

If you have bipolar disorder

If you have bipolar disorder, you may feel nervous about starting a new relationship and finding the “right” time to tell your partner you have bipolar disorder.

Communicating openly and following your treatment plan are important in building a successful new relationship. Consider routinely taking these steps before you make a long-term commitment.

Tell your partner about mood shifts

Describe what they can expect when you’re experiencing a change in mood. It can also be helpful to tell them what you do to manage your moods. This way, your partner won’t be surprised when you experience a mood episode.

You can let them know what you would like them to do to help you through the episode. Alternatively, if you would prefer to handle it without any help from them, let them know this as well. This way, your partner is clear on what to do.

For example, if you’re experiencing a depressive episode and don’t feel like leaving the house, explain this to them. They can act on any plans that you may have in place for when you experience an episode.

Stick with your treatment plan

It is important to follow any treatment your doctor has prescribed you. This can help minimize your symptoms and reduce the severity of changes in mood.

Discuss your treatment plan with your partner. With this information, they can help you adhere to it.

Communicate

Tell your partner when you feel a mood shift occurring. Doing so can help avoid alarm from a sudden change in your demeanor.

Also, try to be open to them if they tell you that they notice that your mood is “different.” Sometimes others can see changes in mood when you can’t.

It is also important to have ongoing discussions around intimacy. A very small, preliminary 2023 study indicates mood episodes can affect sex drive. Thus, discussing any changes you may experience and setting clear boundaries are important.

If your partner has bipolar disorder

Dating someone with bipolar disorder may be challenging, as you can’t control when your partner experiences a shift in mood.

To help your relationship succeed, it’s important to focus on communication, supporting your partner’s treatment plan, and taking care of yourself.

Educate yourself

Learning about bipolar disorder when you begin a relationship with someone who is managing the condition is essential. Reading about bipolar disorder can help you understand the challenges your partner may be facing can help you better support them.

Ask your partner about their shifts in mood and what they do to manage them. It is also beneficial to ask them what you can do to help them during these episodes if they confirm they want to accept your support.

Communicate

It’s vital to communicate openly with your partner. Tell them how you feel but never blame them for their condition.

It is also important to respect any boundaries that they may set around certain aspects of your relationship.

Be patient

It can be frustrating if your partner’s mood episodes interfere with dating plans.

Take a deep breath. It may be helpful to temporarily remove yourself from the environment, whether that’s taking a walk around the block or spending a weekend away from your partner.

Just be sure to communicate that you are taking some space and be clear on when you’re coming back.

Support their care

Your partner can manage their condition through adhering to their treatment plan their care team prepared. You can show your support by helping them stick with their treatment plan.

Get support

You may need help coping with your partner’s condition and the effect it’s having on your relationship. Be sure you have your own support system, which may include friends, loved ones, counselors, and other trusted individuals. They can provide advice and encouragement.

Going to couples therapy may also be helpful if that’s something you’re both interested in.

The takeaway

While taking these steps can benefit your relationship, bipolar disorder may still affect your relationship from time to time, even if both of you know what to expect.

Keep in mind that whether you have bipolar disorder or are dating someone with the condition, it’s possible to establish and maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Keys to success include maintaining an open line of communication, making sure the person with bipolar disorder follows their treatment plan, and getting support when you and your partner need it.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Azorin JM, et al. (2021). The impact of bipolar disorder on couple functioning: Implications for care and treatment. A systematic review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8400362/
Krogh HB, et al. (2023). Bipolar disorder and sexuality: A preliminary qualitative pilot study.https://journalbipolardisorders.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40345-023-00285-9

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Medically reviewed by Joslyn Jelinek, LCSW, ACSW, RDDP — Written by Erica Cirino — Updated on March 13, 2025

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If you have bipolar disorder

Tell your partner about mood shifts

Stick with your treatment plan

Communicate

If your partner has bipolar disorder

Educate yourself

Communicate

Be patient

Support their care

Get support

The takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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