Bipolar infidelity is a common – and tragic – consequence of mania and hypersexuality. It is critical to discover the facts and avoid the pitfalls of this detrimental aspect of the disorder.

In this section we will discuss infidelity causes, solutions, and some unfortunate statistics. We hope this information helps you to learn more about Bipolar infidelity so you and/or your loved one can implement measures to prevent this consequence of manic episodes.

Bipolar infidelity represents one of the most common, but also one of the most taboo, Bipolar symptoms. Not everyone with Bipolar Disorder will manifest this symptom, but it does occur in some cases.

This is a page I have wanted to write for a long time because it is SUCH an important topic, and because it is the issue, I get the most questions and requests about.

However, it is a difficult subject for me personally because this was the primary way my Bipolar symptoms became evident and the manner in which my most serious manic episode manifested.

Sadly, too few people yet realize Bipolar cheating is one of the most typical bipolar symptoms of all.

My own Bipolar infidelity destroyed my relationship, my finances, my self-respect, my happiness, my peace of mind, and my entire sense of self, so I hope there will be readers who can benefit from my story and my mistakes.

This may be an especially difficult issue to experience for Bipolar Christians.

Causes and cures

There are many reasons for infidelity within a marriage or other committed and presumably monogamous relationship.

Reminder

Bipolar infidelity is fueled by Bipolar mania, especially in people who have not been diagnosed yet.

However, the focus here is on BIPOLAR infidelity.

There is no way an outsider can shed light on other issues within your relationship. Assuming the situation is one of Bipolar symptoms and textbook Bipolar infidelity, there is one cause and one cure.

Note: At this point you may want to learn about the causes of bipolar disorder.

The cause of the infidelity is hypersexuality, impaired judgement, poor impulse control, and grandiosity. These are scary and severe Bipolar symptoms all brought on by mania. The solution is to stabilize the bipolar spouse and treat the mania – invariably this is best done with a proven mood stabilizer such as lithium.

In this sense, there is nothing personal about Bipolar infidelity. Of course, it does not feel that way to the spouse/partner of the Bipolar person, especially if sexual cheating has been accompanied by emotional withdrawal and/or irritability. However, this behavior is a Bipolar symptom and is also generally part of a manic episode.

Bipolar symptoms are not always personal

I know this is a difficult concept – how ridiculous to say that this most personal and intimate of betrayals is “nothing personal.” I am not asking you to not react to this controversial statement or to not feel all the hurt and anger that infidelity creates. In order to understand things though, and in order to improve the situation, you must try to engage a more detached and rational side of yourself. Try, if possible, to separate your unfaithful partner as a person from the manic behavior.

Sometimes “hate the sin, love the sinner” is too much to ask and it is not possible to forgive cheating. Nobody else can decide this for you, but I do know that regardless of whether or not you stay in the relationship, you will feel much better if you can understand this central point: A Bipolar person cheats in the grip of mania. It is the illness in one of its ugliest manifestations. It would not have happened if your partner had been well and stable. It is a symptom of the disease; unfortunately, quite a common one.

The decision to forgive will require you to have important information so you can decide how much of it was “mania” and how much of it was “personal.” You need to know if your partner was on medication at the time and look for all the other signs of a manic episode. Talking to a professional could be very helpful here.

Please think carefully about this information on Bipolar infidelity. However, I know that AN EXPLANATION IS NOT AN EXCUSE!

The more you can understand how mania fuels hypersexuality, impairs judgment, and distorts the Bipolar person’s underlying personality and character, the quicker you can move on.1

Your only point of power is in the present, so while your partner MUST take responsibility for their infidelity, you MUST keep moving forward if you are to overcome this betrayal.

Bipolar Relationships

Bipolar and Divorce

Some scary statistics

Infidelity

Like almost everything else to do with mental health, cheating by people with Bipolar Disorder has not been scientifically studied nearly enough. However, there is some research that has been conducted on this topic.

A 1975 study that looked at lifetime sexual experience found extramarital sexual experiences to be more frequent amongst Bipolar people, as 29% had had 10 or more experiences.

According to figures quoted by Goodwin and Jamison (year), hypersexuality was reported in 57% of manic individuals, based on averages across seven studies, with a range of values from 25% to 80%!

And remember, “sexual indiscretions” is such a significant marker of Bipolar illness that it is included in the DSM-IV’s diagnostic criteria.

Protecting yourself

It is not a good idea to persist in a relationship with a Bipolar spouse who will not actively seek treatment, comply with their medication regimen, and work at getting and staying well.

If sexual promiscuity has been part of their manic behavior, consider using a condom to protect yourself from STDs at least until you are sure your Bipolar partner is stable, and get tested for STDs, including HIV/AIDS.

Also, keep an eye on joint finances, consider how to restrict your partner’s access to money, and also how to avoid liability for any debts they incur. It is not uncommon for someone on a manic spree of Bipolar hypersexuality to destroy their finances in order to have sex

Every day remind yourself:

– the infidelity was not your fault

– the infidelity resulted from your partner’s Bipolar mania. They made a terrible choice fueled by hypersexuality, impulsiveness and impaired decision making ability

– you are loveable, desirable and you deserve better. Your partner MUST actively work at avoiding further manic episodes for you to even consider a second chance

– you have options and can make decisions in your own best interests and those of your children (if applicable)

– you can heal from this as an individual. Given the right attitude and treatment, it may also be possible for your partner to heal, and it is possible to heal your relationship.

Cheating on a Bipolar partner

Bipolar infidelity cuts both ways. Sometimes it is not the Bipolar partner who strays. Being in a relationship with a Bipolar person can create some difficult circumstances that may promote infidelity.

For example, some medications cause weight gain and loss of libido. This can be difficult for the other person who finds themselves in a relationship with a Bipolar partner who is disinterested in sex and looks different physically to the person they were first attracted to. Also, if a Bipolar person is having a depressive episode, they may have little desire to make love and may be emotionally withdrawn or unavailable.

This can be very isolating and make the partner of a Bipolar person feel rejected, angry, frustrated – all the negative emotions that so often trigger infidelity.

Therapy is essential

Regardless of which partner is cheating (or tempted to cheat), or which has Bipolar Disorder, GO TOGETHER to therapy.

My personal perspective is that therapy and counseling are essential, either after the Bipolar infidelity, or when the person is showing signs of an impending manic episode. It is important to go together, and to see a therapist who is experienced in treating Bipolar Disorder. One of the terrible ironies of my own manic meltdown was that I was in therapy at the time! I even told my psychologist about my cybersex addiction. Unfortunately, I was seeing someone who did not have the skills and knowledge to recognize the disorder. Couples counseling with an experienced professional could have saved my relationship, so PLEASE do this for yourself.

Bipolar infidelity and the Internet

The Internet does not, in itself, cause Bipolar infidelity, but wow – it sure can fan the flames! I know because this was my own downfall. If a Bipolar person looks like they are becoming manic, it is a very good idea to move fast to restrict or monitor their access to the Internet.

In particular, be aware of the following: Chat rooms and typical internet dating sites may look different – especially if the chat room is for bipolar support – but both can harbor folks who are looking for sexual connections. If your loved one is spending a lot of time in ANY kind of chat room, you need to know what is going on. If they appear defensive or secretive, you need to talk. Of course, they may be getting much needed support and are entitled to privacy and space, but hanging out in any potential pick-up joint is a recipe for disaster when mania is brewing. Also learn about bipolar sleep, as insomnia and late night surfing are symptoms AND warning signs of pending mania and, by extension, possible infidelity..

Financial betrayal

credit-repair

The crazy spending sprees and irrational financial decisions that characterize bipolar mania are a form of betrayal.

If you or your spouse has damaged your credit, see essential advice on Bipolar Debt. You may also want to read up on Excessive Spending and Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar treatment contracts

Restricting or monitoring Internet use, or cutting off access to finances, may sound heavy-handed or provocative. However, as someone who destroyed a wonderful relationship through my own Bipolar infidelity, I believe these actions can be necessary, constructive and loving.

One way to handle these delicate issues is through a Bipolar treatment contract. The folks at Real Mental Health provide excellent information about bipolar treatment contracts and a free downloadable sample contract.

A Bipolar treatment contract is an agreement a Bipolar person makes with their loved ones during periods when they are well, in order to handle the difficulties that may arise if the Bipolar person becomes unwell.2

(You can read more about treatment contracts and other practical tools in The Bipolar Toolkit, available from the Bipolar resources page.)

Bipolar infidelity is such a huge, complex and painful topic. It is impossible to cover it properly in a webpage, so Bipolar Lives has just finished writing an e-Book about it. It is much more detailed, and provides practical, concrete tools for dealing with the before, during and aftermath of Bipolar infidelity – for both parties. Please visit www.bipolarlives.com regularly, as it is coming very soon.

My first book, The Bipolar Diet, was published a few years ago and is doing great:

References:

1http://ibpf.org/blog/mania-and-marriage-coping-hypersexuality
2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852112/


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