Doing that lets you better help them in the situation,” says Mike. “If you see a trigger that could lead to an episode, then it’s important to think of something that makes you uncomfortable - say, flying or being in an elevator - try to understand what your partner is going through at that moment.
The most important thing, says Mike, is to know what your partner’s triggers are and to try to put yourself in their headspace so you can understand the situation and help them. Nawalanic says knowing what the start of a mood episode looks like may help prevent it or allow you to get help early.Ī depressive episode may have symptoms including depressed mood, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities, insomnia or oversleeping, changes in appetite, and suicidal thoughts or actions, according to the Mayo Clinic.įor a manic or hypomanic episode, symptoms may include feeling abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired, increased energy or agitation, exaggerated sense of self-confidence, decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, and impulsive or risky decision-making, say Mayo Clinic experts. For instance, if one partner is concerned that the other could harm themselves during a manic or depressive episode, “that should take precedence over the agreed-upon retreat,” says Nawalanic. Safety does come first, though, says Nawalanic. “That lays the groundwork and expectations for what is mutually agreed upon as acceptable and helpful in moments when things escalate,” he says.Ī good example, Nawalanic says: If one spouse decides they need some brief alone time when a partner is having symptoms, as Tiffany did Christmas morning, a prior conversation about that choice can help the other spouse know it’s a coping strategy rather than an unexplained withdrawal. Talking to one another about ways to problem-solve when issues come up, especially during periods of stability, is critical, say Tiffany and Mike. Communicate - Even When Things Are Going Well But here are some tips that have worked for them. Tiffany and Mike say they’re constantly refining their strategies. Nawalanic treats patients with bipolar disorder.Īnd even though there will be challenges, “that’s true of every marriage,” Nawalanic adds. īut “for a marriage, bipolar disorder doesn’t have to be a limiting factor,” says Gregory Nawalanic, PsyD, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, and the clinical director of psychology services at the University of Kansas Health System's Strawberry Hill Campus. Indeed, this mental health condition is associated with lower odds of ever marrying, as well as marriages that end in divorce more quickly, according to a review of studies on marriage and mental health conditions published in the July–December 2017 issue of the Industrial Psychiatry Journal.
She and her relationship moods how to#
In the eight years they’ve been married, they’ve worked together to troubleshoot how to anticipate conflict and strained moments, such as their Christmas morning experience, that can trigger Tiffany’s symptoms, and try to avert them.īipolar disorder can pose some extra challenges in marriage. Tiffany was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about the time she and Mike met. She uses the space to pray, meditate, practice yoga, and reflect in order to de-stress, and sometimes will also take a shower as part of her routine.
She keeps it uncluttered, and stocks it with comfortable blankets, essential oils, and candles to help her relax. Tiffany has made their bedroom a sanctuary to use when she needs to. Tiffany headed downstairs to the couple’s bedroom for some time on her own to relax. Mike suggested that Tiffany spend a bit of time in a space she’s created for herself in their basement bedroom while he cleaned up the wrapping and toys with the kids and began party prep. But as their four kids were unwrapping their last gifts on Christmas morning, Tiffany - who has bipolar disorder - started to get anxious about the mess the wrapping paper was making, and everything she still needed to do to get ready for the party.Īs her stress level rose, her patience evaporated, and she began to snap at her husband and kids.Īfter years of marriage, Tiffany and Mike had a system for handling the situation. Tiffany Romito, 37, and her husband Mike, 41, were looking forward to hosting a party on Christmas Day for their friends and family this past year.
0 kommentar(er)
