Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a mental illness that can cause a loss of impulse control in sufferers. During the manic phase of the disorder, a bipolar person may commit infidelity. To cope with this infidelity requires a plan for preventing it from happening again during future manic phases.
Instructions
1. Find out the details. It will be easier to figure out cope with the problem is you know exactly how it happened. Some bipolar infidelity happens during the depressive part of the cycle, but most of the time it occurs during the manic phase. Find out which part of the bipolar cycle it was and what may have triggered the infidelity.
2. Try to understand. Going into the healing process with too much anger will make it difficult to learn to forgive the infidelity. Some anger is justified, but there has to be room in there for forgiveness as well. Otherwise, communication will be impossible.
3. Work out a plan for treating the disorder. There are many medications that can stabilize moods and relieve many of the difficult symptoms of bipolar disorder. See a doctor together to find out what can be done to keep even moods without severe highs and lows. This will improve all of the sufferer's relationships and make it easier to cope with everyday life.
4. Make a personal plan to prevent the behavior. The unfaithful party should agree to some ground rules surrounding the disorder and the temptation to engage in reckless behavior. The rules should include communication between the two of you when the disorder begins to affect you both. It should also include a promise that the bipolar party must take any medication prescribed and follow the doctor's instructions.
Tags: cope with, manic phase