The Bipolar Relationship

How to Understand, Help, and Love Your Partner

De: Jon P. Bloch PhD, Bernard Golden PhD, Nancy Rosenfeld

Narrado por: Phil Thron

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects peoples' relationships with others as much as it affects their own mental state. When one person in a couple is experiencing the extreme highs and lows of a disorder like this one, it's impossible for their partner not to feel the strain, too.

Reassuring yet realistic, Dr. Bloch, Dr. Golden, and Nancy Rosenfeld explain what's normal, what's not, what might change, and what definitely won't. By understanding the reality of bipolar and what it means for a relationship, couples will relate to each other better today and plan for a successful future together tomorrow.

©2009 Jon P. Bloch (P)2020 Tantor

It's as exactly as the title says.

I have bipolar and I wanted to get an objective perspective of a relationship with a disordered person. I'm still working on codependency and this book was helpful even in that. I got lost in the ending, there was a little bit of fluff but I can see this as helpful to someone who really needs the information.

Exactly what I needed

Such good information. This is exactly what I was looking for it gave me a whole new perspective on my husband and his behavior.

Very relatable and useful advice.

I think the book is very well written, simple enough but with direct advice and relatable cases for those of us who love someone with chronic disease.

Helpful

Helpful with how I treat myself and act around my children when dealing with episodes my wife might be haveing.

Great book! Phil Thron was a good narrator!

I loved this book! The information was very helpful, eye opening, and accurate!. Not only did it help me understand my wife and her bipolar issues, but it made me realize that I might even have a different type of bipolar...

Lots of assumptions

For example that the bi polar partner is willing to go to therapy, and/or willing to take medication. Not mine.

Subtle Bias

The Bipolar Relationship aims to guide those navigating a relationship with a partner diagnosed with bipolar disorder. While the book offers practical strategies and insights into the challenges of managing mental illness within a relationship, it often conveys a tone that feels subtly biased against the bipolar partner. This covert negativity, though never explicitly stated, creates an undertone that frames the bipolar partner as an overwhelming burden rather than a person dealing with a serious and often misunderstood condition.

The authors use language that, while seemingly empathetic, consistently emphasizes the strain placed on the non-bipolar partner. This approach risks alienating readers looking for more balanced advice that recognizes the humanity and struggles of both individuals in the relationship. The book could benefit from acknowledging the strengths and resilience that bipolar individuals often bring to their relationships rather than focusing disproportionately on their challenges.

Overall, while the book provides valuable tools for understanding bipolar disorder, its underlying bias detracts from its usefulness as a genuinely supportive resource. Readers seeking a more balanced perspective may feel frustrated by its portrayal of the bipolar partner as inherently tricky, which reinforces harmful stereotypes rather than fostering understanding and compassion.