How to Maintain Fruitful Relationships Even With Bipolar Disorder

One thing that is important for your relationships is communication. You are dealing with the symptoms that come along with bipolar disorder, so you know when you need time for yourself. If you know you need time alone, tell your friend that you need this time.

Depending on the friendship, you can tell him or her why you need this break. It’s important that you tell your friend that you aren’t asking for this time because of something he or she did; just say this is something you need and that is all. When your mood swings start to creep up, you need a little time to focus on yourself. Focus on the steps you’ve learned to regain control, like guided meditation or whatever else you use to fight back.

Understand Each Friendship

It is important that you understand that everyone you meet or everyone in your life does not need to be your best friend. You don’t have to let everyone into your world. It’s perfectly fine to have a friend that is just a study buddy or someone that helps you with work.

The reality is most people only get a few close friends in a lifetime; sometimes, people have one good friend, so it’s okay if you only have one friend. If you understand that you don’t have to make everyone your best friend, it is going to be much easier to manage your friendships. You have enough hurdles to get over. You don’t have to pile on more obligations than you need to worry about.

Being Completely Open

Here is where things get a little dicey. You need to recognize the type of friends you have because it makes it easier to decide if you want to be honest about your condition. This is a personal decision, so it’s up to you if you want to be honest, but if you are, then it opens up a number of things you’ll want to consider.

If you are honest with your friend, then give this person an opportunity to help you. He or she can learn more about your condition. It’s best to discuss triggers early on if you plan to be honest with your friend so that he or she knows. It may be scary and difficult to say this at first, but once you do, you may have an ally who can learn your patterns and warn you if a period of depression may be on its way.

Sticking With Care

Just because this disorder can be treated doesn’t mean it won’t affect your relationship from time to time. This is a reality you have to accept. You have to do your best to make sure you stick to the treatment that has been recommended to you by your mental care specialist. Not doing so could increase your risk of having destructive episodes or periods of mania.

The more care you receive, the less likely these episodes may happen. Now, understand that even when problems arise, things are not your fault. You have done your part by making sure you get the care as recommended. You’ve avoided triggers; you’ve done your best to keep up with medications if you are taking them. Hopefully, you’ve recognized the signs before you allowed the disorder to make you say or do things that might have been hurtful.

If you did recognize the signs, you could have created some distance, but this is not always possible. You are going to have to make amends with your friend, and show him or her that you are truly sorry. Don’t start making promises that you can’t keep; just be genuine, and your friend should be able to see how sorry you are. Some friends need a little time. Be respectful if that’s the case because your friend is only human.

These are just some things you should consider, but it may also be a good idea to talk to your mental health professional. He or she will likely have additional points that will help you maintain fruitful relationships