Should I Tell My Significant Other I Have Bipolar Disorder?

This is a big question: Should I tell my significant other that I have bipolar disorder?

Generally, there are three situations where this question arises:

1.) If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and are going into a relationship.

2.) If you are already in a committed relationship – not necessarily married – and diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

3.) If you are married and find out that you have bipolar disorder.

I would like to share with you some of my own insight and ideas based on these various scenarios.

Having A Significant Other In A Short-term Relationship

Short-term relationships deal more with #1 above. Never feel ashamed of who you are, but understand that there is a stigma regarding bipolar disorder out in the world.

When I was dating and knew the relationship was not going to be long-term, I did not say anything. “Bipolar disorder is complicated, why over-complicate it?” I thought. I remember one time when I dated a young woman. She told me that mental illness is all in the person’s head. I broke it off that night.

Remember to make a decision based on your own comfort level, and what falls within your personal belief system.

I had a friend that told everyone he had bipolar disorder the first time he met them. This was his level of comfort and what he believed.

If you decide not to tell your partner right away, when is a good time to tell them? There is no fixed rule for the number of months you are together or anything like that. You need to search within your heart the value of the relationship and how it is progressing.

I always made sure I knew each person extremely well and that they were tolerant individuals before disclosing my diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I made sure the relationship was headed in the long-term direction.

Having A Significant Other In A Long-term Relationship

Long-term relationships deal with scenario #2 and scenario #3.

A long-term committed relationship is different compared to just starting out in the dating scene. There is a level of intimacy and trust that is created the longer you are with another person. Full disclosure is appropriate at this level in the game.

If you are living together, whether married or not, it is extremely important to tell your significant other if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. You would tell them if you were diagnosed with diabetes. Having bipolar disorder is no different. They are both chronic illnesses that require daily treatment.

Last Thoughts

Never feel pressured to disclose anything – especially regarding your diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Make sure you feel comfortable before volunteering any information.

If you are in a short-term relationship (i.e. dating), do not feel like you must tell the other person.

If the relationship turns into a long-term commitment, full disclosure is generally recommended.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my article. I would love it if you would join The Bipolar Battle Community! Until next time, take care! 😊