#124: Right Relationships are Worth Every Effort

FROM THIS SHOW…

When it comes to relationships, do you feel that you are tragically doomed to failure? When you have a mental health condition as serious as bipolar disorder, it can feel like being sentenced to a lifetime of strife, heartache, and deep disappointment.

And for many people, let downs are an ongoing reality that prevent them from ever having love again.

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case, as Mike shares on today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast.

Even when mental illness joins a partnership, there are steps you can take to ensure that the relationship has a chance not only at survival, but in flourishing in spite of it all.

You definitely do not want to miss the insights on today’s show!

Listen to the podcast:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts!  With every past episode at your fingertips, plus special Bonus Content with my guests, what's not to love! And if you're feeling generous, would you please leave me a review? It is a special treat to read each and every one of them. Just write about your favorite part of the show! :-) 

TAKEAWAYS

• You can have healthy relationships at all levels, from the most intimate and romantic, to even the ones where there is disagreement and frustration. It takes a new approach based on love and respect. 

• Even with mental illness, we can live peacefully with the people in our lives, and ourselves. And we must educate others about how harmful it can be when they try to fix or rescue us from our mental health.

• If you are not married, but hope to be, then the practice you get with your “Lifers” now (see below) can help you navigate tensions, triggers, and trials that are bound to pop up in a committed relationship. This is a great way to set you and your partner up for success!

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) Who did you enjoy and relate to most when you were a kid? / Was it a friend? A family member?

2) How much practice did you get at romantic relationships when you were a teenager or college student?

3) In what way has having bipolar disorder influenced the quality of the relationships you have now with your friends?

4) Do you desire greater connection in your romantic life? / What’s been holding you back?

5) Do you see a purpose for yourself in marriage? / Why or why not?

6) How did you react to Mike talking about loving your enemies and extending relationship to them?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!