The Bipolar Relationship: How to understand, help, and love your partner

by Jon P Bloch, Bernard Golden, Nancy Rosenfeld

Overview

Bipolar 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. They provide information and advice on typical troubling relationship topics, such as:

• Communication
• Trust and loyalty
• Family planning
• Finances
• Sex
• Maintaining a sense of self

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598699678
Publisher:	Adams Media
Publication date:	11/18/2009
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jon P. Bloch, PhD (New Haven, CT), is an associate professor of sociological anthropology at Southern Connecticut State University. He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals and is the author of several books, including The Everything Health Guide to Adult Bipolar Disorder.

Bernard Golden, PhD. , has been a practicing psychologist for more than thirty years. Dr. Golden has also authored Healthy Anger: How to Help Children and Teens Manage Their Anger; Unlock Your Creative Genius; and New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder. In 1994, Dr. Golden founded Anger Management Education (www.angermanagementeducation.com).

Nancy Rosenfeld (Chicago, IL) who has bipolar disorder, is the author of three other books, including Unfinished Journey: From Tyranny to Freedom; Just As Much a Woman: Your Personal Guide to Hysterectomy and Beyond; and New Hope for People with Bipolar Disorder. In 1993, Nancy founded AAA Books Unlimited, a literary agency, and is a public speaker with extensive radio and television experience.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Part I Understanding Bipolar Disorder 1

Chapter 1 What You Need to Know 3

Chapter 2 Bipolar Is Different for Each Individual 23

Chapter 3 Forms of Treatment 33

Chapter 4 Addressing Differences and Maintaining Realistic Expectations 51

Chapter 5 What to Avoid 63

Part II Building Books of a Relationship 81

Chapter 6 Is Good Communication Possible?|[83

Chapter 7 Is Trust Possible 101

Chapter 8 Sex and Intimacy 119

Part III Day to Day with Bipolar Disorder 135

Chapter 9 Can You Have a Normal Houshold? 137

Chapter 10 Planning a Family 161

Chapter 11 Responding to Your Partner's Episodes 181

Chapter 12 What to Emphasize 193

Chapter 13 Putting Yourself First 211

Resources 229

About the Authors 233

Author's Note 235

Index 236