Men only please. What would you do and think if you started dating a girl, things were going well, and she ?

I've known a number of people with bipolar conditions and if they stick to their medications and maintain a healthy lifestyle it should make no difference at all. I would continue to date her, and watch for signs, but never put her under a microscope, that's not fair (I've seen that happen) and never treat her as IF she had a mental illness (she doesn't, as you know, it's a medical condition). Accept her for who she is, just like any other normal person and I would celebrate her positive characteristics.

Well, I think my response may be a bit biased because...

1. I saw you asked this question because you're in my network.

2. I added you to my network because I have bipolar disorder and noticed that you were fairly active in the bipolar questions here.

That said,

I would continue to date her. Primarily because I've also got bipolar so I guess I'm just naturally more accepting of it.

As for how I think it would affect the relationship, that's a very interesting question, I think; particularly when you're looking at both people having bipolar. I think, like any other relationship, there'll be things that bring you closer together and things that are challenging.

With both people having bipolar disorder, I can see the possibility that things could be more exciting, especially when both are manic or hypomanic and out having fun together. As I'm sure you already know, a hypomanic or manic bipolar sufferer isn't just the life of the party, WE ARE THE PARTY!

At the same time, our more depressed episodes and mixed episodes can possibly cause tension. What if we were both depressed or mixed at the same time? We could trigger one anothers' wrath, we could encourage one anothers' depressed episodes (misery loves company, eh?).

Then again, there's also the possibility that we'd find more mutual understanding, support and a deeper sense of commitment and stability because if we both have bipolar disorder, we both have a greater insight into what the other person's needs and expectations will be most of the time, which could make the relationship stronger. I've said a number of times that I don't believe anybody, even mental health professionals, TRULY understand what it's like to have bipolar unless they themselves have it. So much of what we experience, both when we're down and when we're elated, seems indescribable with mere words. It's almost as if these experiences, sensations, and feelings weren't experienced enough by people to have warranted the creation of words to describe them.

Hmmm, am I rambling? I do that.

Anyway, yes I would continue to date her and I think that a relationship where both had bipolar would present both unique challenges yet simultaneously offer unique and special closeness, bonding, and deeper mutual understanding and support.

well i would continue to date her because i have feelings for her and i shouldn't let a disease like bipolar stop me from seeing her if anything i would do my best and try to help and support her whatever she needs done. the affect would take on a toll after awhile cause with bipolar she might just go crazy on me but if you really care for someone you do what you can in the relationship and be there for that person in good times and in bad

I would continue to date her, things like that aren't scary, they just require more patience. A relationship with someone who is bi-polar is usually different, but not bad.

Currently, my girlfriend has bi-polar and although she takes big emotional swings, I have learned that sometimes it isn't me and to just be patient. If it will work all depends on the maturity level of the guy you are with.

I found out early (when my gf and I had just started dating) and it didn't stop me from pursuing a relationship with her.

Continue to date her

No