Trust is an essential component of any kind of relationship — be it a friendship, a familial relationship, a romance, or even a work partnership.
But when the topic of mental health surfaces, especially in the case of conditions like bipolar disorder then some people may feel unsure and they may even ask, “Can you trust a bipolar person?”
These are the issues that come from the prejudices and stigmas that are deeply rooted in the cultural realm of bipolar disorder and indeed are not substantial issues in reality.
The question must be answered fairly, thus the person who asks the question should be aware of the condition of the patient, and what that patient goes through.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is an illness that affects one's mood and is characterized by various mood swings.
Mood swings may be the case of emotional highs like mania or hypomania, on the other side it may cause a feeling of sadness and emptiness.
Bipolar disorder does not have a specific onset and can also develop in afflicted individuals at any time during their lives.
As a result, the patient can experience days where they feel full of life and optimism but abruptly switch to the opposite, which entails them being extremely fearful or sad.
Bipolar is a disease inclusive for the body as well as the mind due to the level of the individual's mood, energy, and behavior.
There remain many who despite these problems have been able to make huge progress in both their professional and personal lives.
However, they can find difficulties dealing with emotions and relationships as a natural part of being a human being.
Can You Trust a Bipolar Person?
Now, can you trust a bipolar person? Yes, absolutely.
Still, trust does not exist in a vacuum. It is a message that is exchanged through communication, understanding, and everyday actions.
And in a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder, trust can fine-tune relationships by additional discussion, or effort.
Here’s why:
Unpredictable Mood Changes – Sometimes seeing somebody with bipolar disorder who changes greatly can cause some misunderstanding because their mood swings might seem to be rather random. If you do understand their condition, it might feel like you’re caught off guard. But these fluctuations do not mean they’re actually unreliable or untrustworthy.
Bipolar and Emotional Detachment – Regarding depressive periods, individuals with bipolar disorder may eventually retract, leaving them somewhat reserved and unresponsive to those around them. It’s how the brain responds to excessive stress or tiredness. Thus, support and proper treatment lead to the fact that these incidents can be better managed.
Bipolar and Manipulation – One stereotype is that people with bipolar disorder are manipulative. None of the available evidence confirms this to be the case. If there is some manipulation, it probably does not have to do with the diagnosis, but with personal behavior or unhealthy ways to cope.
Empowering someone with bipolar means having a clear concept of what comes from their condition and what does not, as well as discussing openly what help they need.
Why Does Bipolar Sometimes Lead to Isolation?
Trust can be decreased when a person who experiences bipolar disorder isolates themselves, and restoring it can also be a problem.
Those with this disease might opt out of daily life because of self-contempt, fear of others' judgments, or the daunting emotions that seem to be parts of the condition.
This is not a clear-cut view of bipolar and isolation, which is just one of the unpacked issues.
The isolation usually happens in the depressive period when the patient feels like they cannot go out of the house if not only cannot afford to do so.
One of the most useful things others can do for them is to try to be understanding and patient.
If someone going through this and experiencing isolation is understood and accepted, the trust that is needed to keep the communication open can be established.
Supporting them in their circle of friends to create a space where they feel secure will be very positive.
What About Suicidal Thoughts?
Unfortunately, there’s a higher prevalence of bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts compared to the general population.
Studies have shown that individuals suffering from untreated bipolar disorder are 10-30 times more likely to die from suicide.
If ever someone close to you who is suffering from bipolar disorder indicates that they intend to end their life, you should take it seriously by giving them immediate support.
Trust is of utmost importance here too—knowing that you can turn to someone without any prejudice, that person may feel freer to share their emotions and the state of mind they’re in.
Can Bipolar Disorders Affect Relationships?
Yes. Bipolar disorder indeed is an inevitable stress to any relationship.
For example, such issues as no empathy, mood swings, or issues like bleakness are involved in the relationship.
However, if the person and his partner employ awareness in dealing with these problems then they can go through it together.
When you get caught up in such situations, you can do the following:
Communicate openly and honestly: This will help you both see each other's points and decide the best route to take in different areas of your life and in your relationship.
Support a customized treatment plan: Medication intake, counseling sessions, and lifestyle modifications are critical elements of the treatment of bipolar disorder. Those who try to get better usually have fewer difficulties in creating solid relationships.
Be patient: Trust does not appear out of nowhere during the interactions marked by mental wellness problems. It is making progress that counts the most.
It is crucial to be aware that bipolar disorder does not define the identity of a person—it is only one of the parts of a person's life.
Despite being in recovery the love, treatment, and empathy confided by other people can lead to the construction of strong relationships people have.
How Can You Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder?
If you live together with someone who is bipolar, you have to be open and kind to them.
The best thing is to first learn about the disorder and the symptoms before you can start trying to understand them.
Be patient and show empathy to your friend during times when they can all of a sudden be happy and the next moment, sad.
Being supportive means not reprimanding them for it. If communicating is easy for your loved one and they feel no fear, you have done a huge thing already as a caregiver.
Trust is in the depth of understanding, so be open and supportive, and don't judge them.
Building Trust Through Professional Help
Living with or loving someone with bipolar disorder can benefit greatly from professional guidance.
Psychotherapy is crucial for people to be able to handle their emotions better, fix distant relationships, and have methods to manage their health.
Couples or family therapy is usually a great solution for those who strive to get back together by regaining their trust and thus making bonds stronger.
Answering the Question
So, can you trust a bipolar person?
You can, in the same way you can trust anyone else.
Building trust should involve communicating, having positive rapport, and compassion from both people, all of which require considerable effort.
Next Steps for Support
If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it is okay to seek help.
At Freedom Psychiatry Center, we focus on delivering empathetic, individualized care for conditions like bipolar disorder.
Our qualified and committed staff are on hand to provide counseling, direction, and encouragement targeting your particular needs.
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