Bipolar, Dating & Relationships: Take Our Polls!

"Talking about my mental health when dating is tricky because I have bipolar disorder (not to mention generalized anxiety disorder). Do I mention mental health on the first date? How long should I wait before talking about my mental health? Does it bleed into dishonesty if I wait too long? If I talk about it too soon, will it just scare people off? These are just some of the considerations I make when talking about my mental health on a date." - Natasha Tracy, Dating and Talking About My Mental Health

Dating is a complicated process, and having to navigate questions like “When/how/if I tell them I have bipolar disorder?” or “Will they treat me differently if I open up?” For many readers and contributors here, deciding when (or whether) to disclose a bipolar diagnosis in a romantic relationship is one of the most personal and stressful choices they face. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and the stakes can feel high.

We want to hear from you. How do you handle dating while living with bipolar disorder? When do you bring it up? What reactions have you gotten? And what impact has sharing your mental health journey with a significant other had on you?

Following are some poll questions asking you to weigh in. Your responses will help others in the community feel less alone in whatever stage of the dating journey they’re in.

Check out the polls below and share what life with bipolar is like for you.

Tell us about how you approach dating

Thanks for sharing

Thank you for sharing how you experience symptoms of bipolar. And check out some of these articles from our writers on their own unique experiences of love and bipolar:

• Dating and Talking About My Mental Health, by Natasha Tracy
• Avoiding a Tragedy in Love With Bipolar Disorder
• Marriage and Supporting Your Partner With Bipolar