Can I Still Find Love With Bipolar Disorder, and How?

This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can feel debilitating at times. If you struggle with this condition, you may think that the ups and downs that come with it make it difficult for you to find a relationship. You may wonder if you’ll ever get the chance to have your dream wedding and meet your love at the altar.

So, is it possible for those with bipolar disorder to find love?

Can People With Bipolar Disorder Have Long-Term Love?

It is absolutely possible for people with bipolar disorder to have long-term love, get married, start families, or have many happy relationships throughout their life.

A mental health condition is not a ruling on whether or not you can date. It isn’t even a set in stone set of behaviors. Every person with bipolar disorder is different and unique. Someone with the condition may have no problems in a relationship, while others may find that their symptoms make it hard to relate to someone else romantically.

So, if you want confirmation that you can date, the answer is yes. However, you may wish to speak to your counselor and think about what you’re struggling with before you do. Whether or not someone with bipolar disorder can have a healthy relationship depends on many factors, which we’ll discuss below.

How To Find Love When Dating With Bipolar Disorder

You can find a relationship just like anyone else. Dating often starts by meeting someone, either online, through friends, or at a location or event. When dating, people with bipolar disorder may experience some symptoms and feelings that those without it do not, such as:

• Feeling extremely manic at the beginning of a relationship
• Making huge choices early in the relationship (such as marriage, moving in together, etc.)
• Risky behaviors
• Feeling anxious
• Attachment issues with their partner

If this sounds like you, you may benefit from seeing a counselor who specializes in your condition. There’s nothing wrong or weak about seeing someone for help. Some people with bipolar disorder also see a doctor to take medication, which manages their symptoms entirely.

How To Have a Healthy Relationship With Bipolar Disorder

To make your relationship the healthiest it can be, it starts with you. Making sure your mental health is as healthy as it can be is extremely important. If you are not taking care of your mental health, you may find that your relationship with someone else also struggles.

Some ways you can foster good mental health include:

• Remembering to allow yourself time alone when you need it
• Being able to respect the boundaries of someone else
• Going into nature when you need space
• Following your treatment plan, if you have one
• Getting help from a counselor or therapist
• Taking your medication on time every day; if you are prescribed one
• Journaling your deeper feelings
• Staying consistent with your behaviors, even when your mood changes

The last tip on this list can feel challenging, especially if you have Bipolar 1, which is a combined mania and depression type.

If you do struggle with keeping your behaviors consistent, counseling will help. You can also learn more about bipolar disorder in general on this site.