{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","path":"/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","title":"How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?","family":"Answers detail","description":"A person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and ADHD.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","wordpressId":"6275","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:15Z","dateModified":"2026-06-05T14:48:47Z","lastReviewed":"2025-09-15"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page answer-page\" data-answer-template=\"conversation\"><header class=\"answer-heading article-heading\"><a class=\"answer-back\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers\">Answers</a><h1>How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?</h1><div class=\"answer-credits\"><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Written by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</span></span></a><a class=\"answer-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\"><span><span class=\"answer-credit-role\">Medically reviewed by</span><span class=\"answer-credit-name\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</span></span></a></div><dl class=\"answer-heading-dates\"><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2024-06-01T00:35:15Z\">June 1, 2024</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2026-06-05T14:48:47Z\">June 5, 2026</time></dd></div><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-15\">September 15, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></header><nav class=\"answer-nav\" aria-label=\"Answer navigation\"><a href=\"#summary\">Summary</a><a href=\"#question\">Question</a><a href=\"#answer\">Answer</a></nav><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\" data-answer-thread aria-label=\"Reader question and professional response\"><section class=\"answer-overview\" id=\"summary\" aria-labelledby=\"summary-title\"><h2 id=\"summary-title\">Summary</h2><figure class=\"answer-question-image\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend-20261003.webp\" alt=\"Two adults preparing a lakeside picnic\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" fetchpriority=\"high\"></figure><p>A person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are learning about the conditions and hope to build a lasting relationship.</p><p>The answer encourages understanding that symptoms and unfinished tasks are not deliberate attempts to hurt a partner.</p><p>It suggests continued learning, support groups, attention to the partner’s own wellbeing, and individual or couples therapy to help both people manage stress and relationship difficulties.</p></section><div class=\"answer-originals\" id=\"original-conversation\"><div class=\"answer-originals-body\"><section class=\"answer-post answer-question\" id=\"question\" aria-labelledby=\"question-person\"><div class=\"answer-avatar answer-reader\" aria-hidden=\"true\">?</div><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"question-person\">Question</h2><span>Reader · Identity withheld</span></header><p>I’ve been in a very close relationship with my girlfriend for a good while. I would like to know what I can do to be more supportive of her issues? Recently, I’ve looked up information about ADHD and Bipolar disorder and it described her like a book. She’s being re-evaluated to change her medication. </p>\n<p>I found that I knew close to nothing about what a significant other needs to do for himself and her in order for us to continue into old age, if possible. I love her and we want the best chance at making it. Please help.</p></div></section><section class=\"answer-post answer-response\" id=\"answer\" aria-labelledby=\"response-person\"><a class=\"answer-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\" aria-label=\"View Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. profile\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-post-content\"><header class=\"answer-person\"><h2 id=\"response-person\">Answer</h2><span>Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</span></header><p>You are asking a very good question because living with a person who has either ADHD or bipolar disorder is very difficult.  Despite its difficulty there are many things that you can do to help both of you.  For example, it’s important for you to understand that when your girlfriend is having a depressed or manic episode she is not doing it on purpose.  </p>\n<p>The same is true if her ADHD gets in the way of her completing her tasks.  In other words, if she forgets to do something it is not out of being spiteful or thoughtless.</p>\n<p>Their are many support groups for those who are married to or live with someone with a serious mental illness.  You can find an organization by doing an Internet search called FAMI.  They will have lists of support groups near where you live.  In addition, you are invited to join our support group here at Mental Help.Net. </p>\n<p>Our many excellent community members will advise you about helping both of you cope with these disorders.</p>\n<details class=\"answer-long-text\"><summary><span class=\"answer-read-more\">Show more</span><span class=\"answer-read-less\">Show less</span></summary><p>One of the most important things you can do for your girlfriend is to keep our stress levels as low as possible.  Stress in your relationship with each other has the possibility of aggravating her symptoms.  That is why it is so important that you be supportive of her. It would also be helpful for you to psychotherapy for your self.  If you want to help her you will also need to help yourself.</p>\n<p>Another suggestion is that the 2 of you to attend couples counseling together.  That can help the 2 of you learn to handle difficulties that come up in the relationship as a result of some of her symptoms.</p>\n<p>It is a good thing that you have started to learn about ADHD and bipolar disorder.  Continue to read as much as you can about these 2 disorders.  Knowledge always helps a very great deal.</p>\n<p>Best of luck</p></details></div></section></div></div></article><div class=\"answer-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-expert answer-expert-card\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9447.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div class=\"answer-expert-copy\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann\">Simone Hoermann <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Ph.D.</span></a></h2><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Personality disorders, anxiety, and depression</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-13316.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Bipolar Disorder</h2><p>Connect around experiences of bipolar disorder, relationships, and everyday life.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/bipolar-disorder\">Explore community</a></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Author</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\">Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of private practice experience.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-author-card answer-reviewer-card\"><a class=\"answer-card-avatar\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"></a><div><span class=\"answer-reviewer-label\">Medical reviewer</span><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\">Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.</a></h2><p>Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson\" class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\">View experience</a></div></section><section class=\"answer-related\"><h2>Related questions</h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/my-girlfriend-wants-to-stop-being-critical-but-doesnt-know-how\">How can I support my girlfriend in learning not to be so critical?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/why-does-my-boyfriends-ex-girlfriend-have-to-be-so-involved-in-his-life\">Why does my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend have to be so involved in his life?</a><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/trying-to-save-37-years-of-marriage-with-my-bipolar-husband\">How can I save my 37-year marriage with my bipolar husband?</a></section></div></div>","text":"HomeAnswersHow can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?AnswersHow can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?Written byAllan Schwartz, Ph.D.Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D.PublishedJune 1, 2024UpdatedJune 5, 2026ReviewedSeptember 15, 2025SummaryQuestionAnswerSummaryA person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are learning about the conditions and hope to build a lasting relationship.The answer encourages understanding that symptoms and unfinished tasks are not deliberate attempts to hurt a partner.It suggests continued learning, support groups, attention to the partner’s own wellbeing, and individual or couples therapy to help both people manage stress and relationship difficulties.?QuestionReader · Identity withheldI’ve been in a very close relationship with my girlfriend for a good while. I would like to know what I can do to be more supportive of her issues? Recently, I’ve looked up information about ADHD and Bipolar disorder and it described her like a book. She’s being re-evaluated to change her medication. I found that I knew close to nothing about what a significant other needs to do for himself and her in order for us to continue into old age, if possible. I love her and we want the best chance at making it. Please help.AnswerAllan Schwartz, Ph.D.You are asking a very good question because living with a person who has either ADHD or bipolar disorder is very difficult. Despite its difficulty there are many things that you can do to help both of you. For example, it’s important for you to understand that when your girlfriend is having a depressed or manic episode she is not doing it on purpose. The same is true if her ADHD gets in the way of her completing her tasks. In other words, if she forgets to do something it is not out of being spiteful or thoughtless. Their are many support groups for those who are married to or live with someone with a serious mental illness. You can find an organization by doing an Internet search called FAMI. They will have lists of support groups near where you live. In addition, you are invited to join our support group here at Mental Help.Net. Our many excellent community members will advise you about helping both of you cope with these disorders. Show moreShow lessOne of the most important things you can do for your girlfriend is to keep our stress levels as low as possible. Stress in your relationship with each other has the possibility of aggravating her symptoms. That is why it is so important that you be supportive of her. It would also be helpful for you to psychotherapy for your self. If you want to help her you will also need to help yourself. Another suggestion is that the 2 of you to attend couples counseling together. That can help the 2 of you learn to handle difficulties that come up in the relationship as a result of some of her symptoms. It is a good thing that you have started to learn about ADHD and bipolar disorder. Continue to read as much as you can about these 2 disorders. Knowledge always helps a very great deal. Best of luckSubject matter expertSimone Hoermann Ph.D.Personality disorders, anxiety, and depressionView experienceRelated communitiesBipolar DisorderConnect around experiences of bipolar disorder, relationships, and everyday life.Explore communityAuthorAllan Schwartz, Ph.D.Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of private practice experience.View experienceMedical reviewerJesse Hanson, Ph.D.Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a clinical and somatic psychologist with over 20 years of experience in neuropsychology, specializing in integrative, mind-body…View experienceRelated questionsHow can I support my girlfriend in learning not to be so critical?Why does my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend have to be so involved in his life?How can I save my 37-year marriage with my bipolar husband?","wordCount":632},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Answers","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend-20261003.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend-20261003.webp","width":1000,"height":667,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"Two adults preparing a lakeside picnic"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","jobTitle":"LCSW, Ph.D.","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9429.jpg"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","jobTitle":"Clinical Affairs Director","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9210.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-hanson-phd-7215216/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","headline":"How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?","description":"A person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and ADHD.","wordCount":511,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Answers","inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2024-06-01T00:35:15Z","dateModified":"2026-06-05T14:48:47Z","author":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#primaryimage"},"hasPart":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#question"},{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#answer"}]},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#question","name":"How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar?","text":"I’ve been in a very close relationship with my girlfriend for a good while. I would like to know what I can do to be more supportive of her issues? Recently, I’ve looked up information about ADHD and Bipolar disorder and it described her like a book. She’s being re-evaluated to change her medication. I found that I knew close to nothing about what a significant other needs to do for himself and her in order for us to continue into old age, if possible. I love her and we want the best chance at making it. Please help.","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#answer"},"inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#question","answerCount":1},{"@type":"Answer","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#answer","text":"You are asking a very good question because living with a person who has either ADHD or bipolar disorder is very difficult. Despite its difficulty there are many things that you can do to help both of you. For example, it’s important for you to understand that when your girlfriend is having a depressed or manic episode she is not doing it on purpose. The same is true if her ADHD gets in the way of her completing her tasks. In other words, if she forgets to do something it is not out of being spiteful or thoughtless. Their are many support groups for those who are married to or live with someone with a serious mental illness. You can find an organization by doing an Internet search called FAMI. They will have lists of support groups near where you live. In addition, you are invited to join our support group here at Mental Help.Net. Our many excellent community members will advise you about helping both of you cope with these disorders. One of the most important things you can do for your girlfriend is to keep our stress levels as low as possible. Stress in your relationship with each other has the possibility of aggravating her symptoms. That is why it is so important that you be supportive of her. It would also be helpful for you to psychotherapy for your self. If you want to help her you will also need to help yourself. Another suggestion is that the 2 of you to attend couples counseling together. That can help the 2 of you learn to handle difficulties that come up in the relationship as a result of some of her symptoms. It is a good thing that you have started to learn about ADHD and bipolar disorder. Continue to read as much as you can about these 2 disorders. Knowledge always helps a very great deal. 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byAllan Schwartz, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"Medically reviewed byJesse Hanson, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#summary","label":"Summary"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#question","label":"Question"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#answer","label":"Answer"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann","label":"Simone Hoermann Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/simone-hoermann","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/bipolar-disorder","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":""},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/my-girlfriend-wants-to-stop-being-critical-but-doesnt-know-how","label":"How can I support my girlfriend in learning not to be so critical?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/why-does-my-boyfriends-ex-girlfriend-have-to-be-so-involved-in-his-life","label":"Why does my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend have to be so involved in his life?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/trying-to-save-37-years-of-marriage-with-my-bipolar-husband","label":"How can I save my 37-year marriage with my bipolar husband?"}],"conversation":{"status":"complete","summary":{"question":"A person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and ADHD. They are learning about the conditions and hope to build a lasting relationship.","answer":"The answer encourages understanding that symptoms and unfinished tasks are not deliberate attempts to hurt a partner. It suggests continued learning, support groups, attention to the partner’s own wellbeing, and individual or couples therapy to help both people manage stress and relationship difficulties."},"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","sourceReviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson#person","name":"Jesse Hanson, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jesse-hanson"},"question":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#question","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#question","html":"<p>I’ve been in a very close relationship with my girlfriend for a good while. I would like to know what I can do to be more supportive of her issues? Recently, I’ve looked up information about ADHD and Bipolar disorder and it described her like a book. She’s being re-evaluated to change her medication. </p>\n<p>I found that I knew close to nothing about what a significant other needs to do for himself and her in order for us to continue into old age, if possible. I love her and we want the best chance at making it. Please help.</p>","text":"I’ve been in a very close relationship with my girlfriend for a good while. I would like to know what I can do to be more supportive of her issues? Recently, I’ve looked up information about ADHD and Bipolar disorder and it described her like a book. She’s being re-evaluated to change her medication. I found that I knew close to nothing about what a significant other needs to do for himself and her in order for us to continue into old age, if possible. I love her and we want the best chance at making it. Please help."},"answer":{"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#answer","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend#answer","html":"<p>You are asking a very good question because living with a person who has either ADHD or bipolar disorder is very difficult.  Despite its difficulty there are many things that you can do to help both of you.  For example, it’s important for you to understand that when your girlfriend is having a depressed or manic episode she is not doing it on purpose.  </p>\n<p>The same is true if her ADHD gets in the way of her completing her tasks.  In other words, if she forgets to do something it is not out of being spiteful or thoughtless.</p>\n<p>Their are many support groups for those who are married to or live with someone with a serious mental illness.  You can find an organization by doing an Internet search called FAMI.  They will have lists of support groups near where you live.  In addition, you are invited to join our support group here at Mental Help.Net. </p>\n<p>Our many excellent community members will advise you about helping both of you cope with these disorders.</p>\n<p>One of the most important things you can do for your girlfriend is to keep our stress levels as low as possible.  Stress in your relationship with each other has the possibility of aggravating her symptoms.  That is why it is so important that you be supportive of her. It would also be helpful for you to psychotherapy for your self.  If you want to help her you will also need to help yourself.</p>\n<p>Another suggestion is that the 2 of you to attend couples counseling together.  That can help the 2 of you learn to handle difficulties that come up in the relationship as a result of some of her symptoms.</p>\n<p>It is a good thing that you have started to learn about ADHD and bipolar disorder.  Continue to read as much as you can about these 2 disorders.  Knowledge always helps a very great deal.</p>\n<p>Best of luck</p>","text":"You are asking a very good question because living with a person who has either ADHD or bipolar disorder is very difficult. Despite its difficulty there are many things that you can do to help both of you. For example, it’s important for you to understand that when your girlfriend is having a depressed or manic episode she is not doing it on purpose. The same is true if her ADHD gets in the way of her completing her tasks. In other words, if she forgets to do something it is not out of being spiteful or thoughtless. Their are many support groups for those who are married to or live with someone with a serious mental illness. You can find an organization by doing an Internet search called FAMI. They will have lists of support groups near where you live. In addition, you are invited to join our support group here at Mental Help.Net. Our many excellent community members will advise you about helping both of you cope with these disorders. One of the most important things you can do for your girlfriend is to keep our stress levels as low as possible. Stress in your relationship with each other has the possibility of aggravating her symptoms. That is why it is so important that you be supportive of her. It would also be helpful for you to psychotherapy for your self. If you want to help her you will also need to help yourself. Another suggestion is that the 2 of you to attend couples counseling together. That can help the 2 of you learn to handle difficulties that come up in the relationship as a result of some of her symptoms. It is a good thing that you have started to learn about ADHD and bipolar disorder. Continue to read as much as you can about these 2 disorders. Knowledge always helps a very great deal. Best of luck","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/allan-schwartz"}},"summaryScope":"Editorial overview of the original question and response; original review dates apply to the source conversation."},"presentation":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-03","template":"answer-conversation","imageGeneratedAt":"2026-10-03"},"seo":{"title":"How can I support my girlfriend who has bipolar? | MentalHealth.com","description":"A person wants to better support a girlfriend who is being reassessed for medication and may have bipolar disorder and ADHD.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/answers/relationship-with-my-bipolar-and-adhd-girlfriend","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/answers.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Answers","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"answers"}},"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Simone Hoermann, Ph.D.","url":"/people/simone-hoermann","profileId":"6419","topic":"mood","focus":"Personality disorders, anxiety, and depression","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"navigation":[],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/bipolar-disorder","basis":"topic match"},"collections":[]}