People with bipolar disorder are often attracted to qualities like creativity, deep empathy, high energy, and intense emotional connection, especially during manic/hypomanic phases, but also value stability and understanding partners who offer hope and help manage triggers like stress and lack of sleep, recognizing that attraction can stem from shared traits or a need for complementary support, with some research suggesting similarities in people with bipolar disorder.
Here, mental health experts share seven common phrases to avoid saying to anyone with bipolar disorder — and the thoughtful, helpful things to say instead.
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder
A “Favorite Person” is someone with whom a person with BPD forms an intense emotional attachment. This relationship is often marked by a combination of deep admiration, dependence and fear of abandonment. The FP becomes a central figure in the individual's life, often absorbing much of their emotional energy and focus.
You can also support your loved one by:
You can use a 48 hour rule where you wait at least 2 full days with 2 nights sleep before acting on risky decisions. Review your decision to avoid a tempting, but risky, behaviour.
If you have bipolar disorder, it's important to know what can trigger your high and low moods. This can include things like feeling stressed, not getting enough sleep or being too busy. There are some things you can do that can help to keep your moods stable.
Bipolar Disorder
This can result in an unhealthy obsession because you will either be in love with that person or want to hurt them.
Some common warning signs include intense and rapidly changing emotions, often triggered by seemingly minor events. Individuals with BPD may exhibit impulsive behaviors such as substance abuse, binge eating, or reckless driving.
Common early warning signs for hypomania and mania
It's common for someone with bipolar disorder to hurt and offend their partner. When someone is first diagnosed, there are often relationship issues that need to be addressed. Couples counseling can help you: Understand that there's an illness involved in the hurtful behavior.
Perceived slights or rejections: Individuals with bipolar disorder may have heightened sensitivity to rejection or criticism, which can trigger intense anger responses.
The bipolar breakup cycle often involves emotional highs and lows, impulsive decisions to leave, regret, and potential reconciliation, influenced by mood episodes.
Stressful life events
Or it may make symptoms feel more intense or difficult to manage. Things that can cause stress include: A relationship breakdown. Money worries and poverty.
How many hours should a bipolar person sleep? People should try to sleep at least 7 hours per night, regardless of whether they have a condition such as bipolar disorder.
Your routine could include: Day-to-day activities, such as the time you eat meals and go to sleep. Making time for relaxation, mindfulness, hobbies and social plans. Taking any medication at the same time each day.
The "3 C's of BPD" typically refer to advice for loved ones of someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, reminding them: "I didn't cause it, I can't cure it, I can't control it," to help set boundaries and avoid taking on undue responsibility for the person's actions or illness. Another set of "C's" describes core BPD traits for individuals: Clinginess (fear of abandonment), Conflict (intense relationships/moods), and Confusion (unstable self-image).
Consider the seven signs we've discussed – manipulation, a lack of empathy, an inability to admit wrongs, habitual lying, disrespecting boundaries, constant negativity, and a lack of remorse. Each one of these actions represents a disregard for the respect that each individual deserves.
9 Signs of Borderline Personality Disorder (You Need to Know)
Bipolar hypersexuality is a common symptom during the manic phase. The hypersexuality symptoms can look like having sex outside of an exclusive relationship, sex with multiple partners or sex with strangers. But it doesn't have to mean increased sexual activity. It doesn't have to involve sex with someone.
Hypersexuality can exist as a sign of bipolar disorder or on its own. Also referred to as compulsive sexual behavior or sexual addiction, hypersexuality is described as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that are difficult to control.
Childhood trauma is widely recognized as a crucial risk factor for the development of various psychiatric conditions, including BD, more than 25% of adult psychiatric disorders have been linked to childhood trauma exposure (Pfaltz et al., 2022; Hughes et al., 2019; Selous et al., 2020; Sugaya et al., 2012).
The Takeaway. A poor diet can contribute to bipolar mood episodes, and certain food choices may help manage them. People with bipolar disorder should avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine, including regular sleep, meals, and activities, can also stabilize mood swings and help manage both manic and depressive episodes. Identifying and managing personal triggers, such as stress or substance use, is crucial in preventing a full bipolar episode.