Relapse looks different for everyone who experiences it. It may last days, weeks or months depending on the severity of the Bipolar episode. Similarly, recovery, remission or long-term stability has its own set of challenges that one must face on their wellness journey. In this article I will discuss how to plan for long-term stability after Bipolar relapse, how to overcome shame and rebuild confidence, the importance of a support system during challenging times and key ways of moving forward to create a life beyond Bipolar relapse.   

Building a Stronger Long-Term Stability Plan After Relapse

Building Your Crisis Plan

A mental health crisis plan is a proactive strategy developed before a crisis occurs which outlines the steps to take in a mental health emergency. Crisis plans include identification of early warning signs, a person’s coping mechanisms, emergency contacts, medical information including preferred hospitals or psychiatrists and resources for support. 

The goal of a crisis plan is to empower individuals when experiencing wellness to state how they would like to be treated in the future if a crisis occurs allowing them to maintain autonomy and dignity in navigating their own mental health crisis effectively and potentially minimizing harm to themselves or others.Unlike reactive measures that are often taken in a mental health crisis creating a plan allows an individual dealing with mental illness to have proactive involvement in how a crisis is handled as well as treatment outcomes where applicable. 

A typical crisis plan includes: 

• Early Warning Signs: a list of the early signs of potential crisis or distress symptoms that can help individuals identify if emergency services are needed.

• Coping Strategies: a list of specific techniques, like breathing or tapping, that help manage the overwhelming distress symptoms or reduce anxiety that can be invaluable to de-escalating a crisis. 

• Support Network: a list of trusted individuals who can be contacted to offer support during a mental health crisis. This list can be done in order of importance or trust. 

• Emergency Contacts: a list of contact information for crisis lines, preferred hospitals, wellness lines, mental health professionals or emergency services which ensure quick access.

• Medication List: a list of up-to-date medications and dosages an individual experiencing a crisis is taking. This can be useful for emergency service attendants if a crisis escalates and hospitalization is necessary. 

• Actions to Be Taken: an outline of the preferred steps to be taken in a crisis situation such as who to call first, if mental health professionals should be contacted, if a wellness check is necessary or which hospital an individual in crisis prefers. These action steps will be considered but not necessarily followed depending on the seriousness of the crisis.   

There are courses available through outpatient services such as Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS) or The Mood Disorder Association of Ontario (MDAO) which offer support in crisis planning. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a personalized tool for managing mental health and well-being, developed through a structured process to help individuals identify triggers, wellness tools, and create plans for maintaining and enhancing their wellness, including crisis and post-crisis strategies. 

Medication Management 

After a Bipolar relapse a part of your rebuilding strategy may be revisiting your medication regime and the therapy you choose to participate in. When it comes to medication management it's important to note that the meds that were effective prior to your relapse may not have the same stabilizing result post-relapse. It has been my experience that an increase in dosage or a change to a different but recommended medication has been necessary for me to regain baseline mental health after an episode. This process of medication exploration by psychiatrists can take weeks before the correct cocktail is found and there is always the possibility of side effects occurring which can lead to further relapse. These are the risks that go hand-in-hand with medication management and adherence.

Therapeutic Strategies

Psychotherapy, counselling and group therapy after Bipolar relapse can be beneficial tools to maintaining remission or long-term stability. With the support of professionals it is possible to discover the root cause of the relapse especially if causes are related to life stress, specific triggers, loss of loved one or employment, adjustment to newness or change, anxiety, depression or substance use. Speak with your mental health network in your local community to find out how you can get connected to services that will lead to positive outcomes in your journey to long-term stability. Joining a peer support group can give you access to peers who have experienced relapse and can share tools and practices used to assist them on getting back on track. Online communities are a great and accessible resource for finding support after Bipolar relapse. It’s important to do your research in all cases to ensure you find professionals, groups and communities that fit your needs.      

Structure, Routine and Habit

Creating structure, routines and good habits after a Bipolar relapse goes a long way in finding balance in your daily life. Making small lifestyle changes like setting an alarm for waking you up or going to bed at the same time nightly will establish consistency and promote better sleep hygiene. Incorporating practices like daily exercise such as cardio or taking a walk are healthy habits that will have a positive effect on focus and stability. Tracking your mood in a journal or writing your thoughts down can help you manage your emotions and reflect on your feelings with the goal of long-term stability in mind. Staying connected with your support system of friends, family and mental health professionals is key during this time of transition. Knowing when to ask for help can be the difference between stability and further relapse. Through incorporating structure, routine and habit you can gain perspective into the practices that have a positive effect on your mental health, gain self-awareness and build a stronger long-term stability plan after relapse.   

Overcoming Shame and Rebuilding Confidence

It has been my experience that societal expectations as well as the expectations of those closest to you can add to the emotional burden of Bipolar relapse. It’s like looking into a mirror full of shattered glass, each piece representing the shame you feel inside, the broken trust of those around you and the assumption of a future full of relapse that society places on you. How do you overcome these burdens of belief and find a way to rebuild when all you see in front of you is a distorted view of who you used to be? How do you overcome all the challenges that Bipolar relapse brings and find the confidence you need to start again? It starts with self-forgiveness and challenging negative self-talk. 

To practice self-forgiveness, acknowledge your mistakes, accept responsibility, treat yourself with kindness, learn from the experience and move forward. This can be challenging especially when you have gone through a Bipolar relapse where the circumstances are a direct result of your illness rather than a particular action you took. The key to self-forgiveness with this type of relapse is acknowledging and accepting responsibility for the negative experiences that may have occurred as a result of the episode, practice self-kindness for the elements of your relapse that were out of your control, learn from your relapse and move forward armed with new found knowledge and understanding that will give you the confidence to rebuild a plan focused on long-term stability. When challenging the negative self-talk that may plague your mind after aBipolar relapse, start with questioning the thought’s validity, practice self-compassion, replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations while seeking the support of others in your care circle while also setting realistic goals for your future mental health outcomes. 

Final Thoughts

Bipolar relapse is not failure and it is not for others to judge as a failure. Picking up the pieces from that shattered mirror is a daily choice. Looking into your reflection and seeing someone worth fighting for rather than someone who feels shame or self-loathing is a step toward reframing your goals and rebuilding your future. Relapse is a setback and a stepping stone toward the actualization of who you can become regardless of your mental illness. Rebuilding stability can also mean reclaiming your joy, the hobbies or passions that previously brought happiness to your day or creating a self-care routine that helps you find your balance. Relapse is lessons learned from self-reflection leading you to the self-awareness that will determine your future long-term stability. 

Remember, every day is a new opportunity to do something you’ve never done before, so choose to move forward with confidence rather than shame looking beyond Bipolar relapse to a future filled with possibilities and long-term stability.

You don’t have any understanding that Bipolar relapse is a natural part of the recovery cycle because you don’t quite have a grasp of your own cycle until months or even years after your Bipolar disorder diagnosis. Women facing Bipolar disorder often encounter unique challenges from societal stigma to personal guilt and shame. It’s important to remember relapse isn’t the opposite of recovery–its a step within it. This article shares powerful stories of how to rebuild your life after relapse, along with expert advice on recovery, resilience and self-compassion.  

Bipolar Relapse: Why It Happens and How to Respond

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. The three main types of bipolar disorder are Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves longer periods of Mania that last at least a week to eight weeks with depressive episodes that last two weeks. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by cycles of hypomanic episodes that can last for up to four days and depressive episodes that may be shorter and less severe. Cyclothymic disorder involves frequent mood swings of hypomania and depression that are not severe enough to be considered episodes of hypomania or depression.

Understanding and avoiding triggers can help people with Bipolar disorder minimize symptoms and limit the number of cycles they experience. Below are some common relapse triggers to consider when managing your Bipolar disorder cycle.  

Relapse Triggers That Effect Bipolar Cycle

• Stress: Stressful life events such as loss of a loved one or loss of job. Stressful events often trigger a mood episode.

• Sleep: Changes in sleep patterns, such as insufficiencies or severe insomnia can trigger a mood episode.

• Medications: Certain antidepressants and other medications can trigger a mood episode.

• Substance Use: Drugs and alcohol use can trigger a mood episode.

• Hormones: Menstruation, pregnancy and other hormonal shifts can trigger a mood episode.  

• Other Factors: Grief, change in season or events like travel can trigger a mood episode.

The above list seems to incorporate everything one may go through on a daily basis. That’s the challenging part of managing Bipolar disorder, there are every few life events that can’t lead to cycle changes and ultimately relapse. Stress, for example, is a natural occurrence in our life cycle but for women with Bipolar disorder how we manage stressful events can mean the difference between experiencing severe mood changes that lead to a hypomanic, manic or depressive episode. Another common life event in people with Bipolar disorder is medication changes. It is important to stay mindful when going through changes such as this one by staying in touch with your medical team and taking time to rest though this process of transition to ensure your body and mind stay balanced. 

Remember, Bipolar relapse should never be considered a failure, rather it is an opportunity for healing and a deeper understanding of an illness that is by its nature full of ups and downs. The emotional toll that relapse can have on an individual can range from guilt and shame to fear of further setbacks, all realistic emotions however can be misplaced. Consider the following: if you are always in a state of wellness on your journey, how can you identify when you are unwell unless you experience low and high periods that characterize Bipolar disorder? A part of maintaining good health is recognizing the experiences that challenge your mental health. Feelings of guilt, shame and fear are normal but are also indications of feeling failure and Bipolar relapse should never be considered a failure rather a learning lesson on your journey to overall wellness.    

Embracing Strength: Stories of Finding Hope After Relapse

Embracing My Bipolar I Disorder

Early on in my mental health journey I didn’t have the knowledge and understanding of my Bipolar I disorder cycle. Mania and depression were my state existence and constant self-blame and self-loathing were my mental baseline. I blamed myself for my mental illness, I blamed myself for the recurring symptoms of Bipolar I disorder and the co-occurring substance use disorder I was experiencing not knowing how to manage either. It took many years to first accept that my Bipolar disorder was not going anywhere, that it was a permanent part of my psychological make-up but that didn’t mean that it had to live in the passenger seat of my life or dictate my future. Secondly, I had to show myself compassion regarding my substance use, finally coming to the realization that the substance use was a symptom of the larger issue of unmanaged mental illness. 

Once I accepted these two truths about how I was handling my illness, once I recognized that my struggle was not unique and could be overcome, I started doing the work. I made a declaration about my life. If I was going to live my life as a woman with Bipolar I disorder, I was going to make it the best life it could be despite my mental illness. I decided to embrace my Bipolar disorder through psychoeducation, counselling services, medication management, self-care, creating structured routine and good habits, sharing my lived experience and advocacy work. I stopped blaming myself for a condition I was born with, I stopped running from a disorder I had to stand and face and I started fighting for my future knowing that Bipolar relapse is always around the corner but arming myself with the tools to face any challenge.    

Embracing Grama Judie, My Mental Health Mentor

It starts with one person. One person in your life to reach out to you and say, “I’m here for you, I want to help you and you are not alone.” It may not be a member of your family, your mom or your dad who are struggling with the reality of their daughter having a severe and lifelong mental illness. It may not be your little sister who is too young to understand the consequences that mental illness brings. It may not be your circle of extended family and friends who are focused on having you be who you were to them before the chaos came. Instead it could be a stranger you meet along your journey who sees you hurting and reaches out to help. For me that was an 80-year-old woman I met while in the hospital 17 years ago. Her name is Judie, fondly known as Grama Judie, my best friend and who I’ve often referenced in my articles as my Mental Health Mentor. 

Seventeen years ago she saw a lost young woman sitting at a table reading a book and she approached me. “Whatcha reading?” she said. “A Historical Romance,” I replied. She sat down and thus began a relationship that has almost spanned two decades. She has been my friend, my  mental health advocate, my substitute decision maker, my community connector, she has taken care of my home when I’m hospitalized, visited me in and out of psychosis, been there for wellness checks, though the good, bad and challenging times are always ready to support me. Her confidence in my ability to rebuild and reinvent myself after every episode has been unwavering. I cannot negate the others who have joined my support network over the years of dealing with my mental illness but I am most grateful to my Grama Judie because her belief in my strength and resilience is what has given me the fortitude to continue rebuilding after every major episode.    

Embracing My Setbacks

On the road to wellness there have been more setbacks than I care to admit or recount. However, what I can say is that every setback has been a learning experience. In few years ago I experienced a year-long Bipolar relapse which included several suicide attempts,  homelessness and nine hospitalizations. The constant chaos and instability led me to a place of dejection and hopelessness. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had to take stock of my life and the decisions I had been making or rather not making concerning my mental illness. I call this year in my life “The Great Rebellion,” as I had rebelled against the mental health care system, against my psychiatrist, against my medication, against those who loved me and to what ends? I was the one who was suffering for not doing the work I knew I needed to do to live a full and healthy life. 

The structure, routine and habits that I was able to maintain during my four month stay in Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences gave me the clarity I needed to forge ahead in a positive direction where relapse was still possible but manageable when making good decisions around my mental health. I was also able to maintain my sobriety with the help of counsellors and therapists that gave me a better understanding of how substances interacted with the chemical imbalance that defined my illness. For the first time I was listening and learning about myself in a way I had never done before. I was once again in a space where self-awareness and self-compassion took the lead on my journey of resilience and recovery. Although there are many reasons for setbacks in my life, the biggest challenge has always been getting out of my own way and allowing myself to heal and be whole, seeing relapse as an opportunity to learn lessons about myself that I have yet to learn.    

Final Thoughts

Bipolar relapse exists within mental health recovery, it is not the end of the road but a part of the journey. It acts as a barometer which allows you to reflect on both the changes made and the changes you may need to make on the journey to your final destination of mental wellness. Every woman’s recovery journey is unique and full of challenging experiences but the common theme is always resilience, your ability to keep moving forward towards your goals regardless of the challenges. When managing a severe mental illness like Bipolar disorder it’s important to remember relapse is almost always inevitable but knowing this can mitigate the severity and make the road to recovery more accessible. 

Seeking support from your mental health network during challenging times can go a long way in your journey to recovery. Sharing your lived experience story can inspire and help others in their own recovery journey. Finally, continue moving forward because your journey is not defined by your setbacks but by your resilience. Remember, there is light at the end of every dark tunnel and there is always sunshine after the rain.

The Connection Between Social Media and Mental Health

Mental Health Narratives and Social Media

Since the rise of social media in the early 2000s platforms like Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Twitter X have become synonymous with information gathering and sharing. When the average person is searching for information they no longer seek out guidance from an expert first. Rather, they look to the social media apps on their phones, tablets or computers to find answers. It’s a faster and easier way to not only find resources but also find other online users on similar quests. This is how online communities are created, users with similar interests, geographic or demographic profiles and opinions coming together to share information. 

Although it sounds ideal, decades of user engagement have given us examples of both the benefits and pitfalls of social media especially when it involves mental health narratives. Social media narratives around mental health are often characterized by a focus on the negative impacts including feelings of inadequacy due to constant comparison with others, pressure to post perfection, increased anxiety from cyberbullying and mental illness self-diagnosis. The following are social media concepts that enable user engagement that can lead to negative mental health outcomes.  

Comparison Culture: the tendency to compare one’s life with other online personas, especially social media influencers that carefully curate images which can cause feelings of inadequacy and low-self esteem in users that are unable to keep up with perceived perfection. 

Likes and Followers Culture: the system of basing personal value and self-worth on how many followers you gain daily or likes you receive on a post. The follower and likes concept is at the foundation of most social media apps and can encourage users to feel less than based on numbers often generated by platform algorithms and cannot be authenticated.  

Cancel Culture: This concept involves unfollowing users based on their perceived negative online presence. This culture movement quickly developed from unsubscribing to a platform or account to a barrage of negative comments about an individual's character or lifestyle choices. These personal attacks made by anonymous users can be perceived as detrimental to positive mental health of those on the receiving end.  

“Highlight Reel” Effect: Users often only showcase positive experiences on social media, creating an unrealistic perception of other’s lives. This can be taxing on the mental health of scrollers as images portray a level of perfection that can’t achieve in their own lives.

Cyberbullying and Trolling: Social media provides users with anonymity which enables the sharing of negative comments and opinions on posts that can contribute to anxiety, depression or worse outcomes for the object of cyberbullying. Victims of cyberbullying have higher odds of experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-harm than non-victims.  

Self-diagnosis: Easy access to information surrounding mental health conditions can lead to concerns around self-diagnosing rather than seeking the help of mental health professionals like psychiatrists or psychotherapists. This can lead down the road of further distress due to inaccurate information. 

There are several challenges that you may face on social media. However, it is important to remember you are in control of social media, not the other way around. You control how much or how little you share, you control what platforms you use, who you follow or unsubscribe and what you like or don’t. Social media is a tool not a lifestyle so if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by all the negativity only you can decide when its time to step away for the sake of your mental health.      

Positive Effects of Social Media for Women with Bipolar Disorder

It’s important to acknowledge the positive effects social media has had on creating safe spaces for women living with Bipolar disorder. There has been a shift in how users engage on social media platforms to raise awareness, create connections and share lived experiences to destigmatize mental health issues. Mental health platforms such as the Holistic Psychologist (Dr. Nicole LePera) and Emotions Therapy (Cally Tate) are creating positive spaces to discuss mental health and educate others. 

Community Building: Online communities whose mandate is exploring concepts around mental health, wellness and self-care as well as providing psychoeducation can offer individuals with mental health challenges much needed support and connection to others with similar struggles. Oftentimes these communities are founded by individuals with lived experience in mental health such as peer supporters or counsellor as well as  mental health professionals like psychologists.  

Raising Awareness: Social media can be a powerful tool in raising awareness through psychoeducation and lived experience campaigns that highlight mental health and wellness strategies, the challenges people with mental illness face and destigmatizing seeking help for mental health concerns.  

Access to Information: Individuals can access information about mental health, wellness, self-care, support groups, crisis lines, online therapy and other professional services. It’s important to always do your research, ask questions and follow-up on the accuracy of the information you find. 

One of the most favourable  aspects of social media is the ability to express yourself in a creative way. Self-expression can be healing and sharing your lived experience story with others  can be restorative. Although the social media landscape changes rapidly with new features and apps launched daily, you can always find opportunities to create a space where your voice is heard. Social media can be used as a tool to enhance your journey to wellness and through sharing your lived  experiences with Bipolar disorder you may find the online community that best fits mental health and recovery goals.  

When living with Bipolar disorder and participating in social media engagement there are several negative aspects that can have a detrimental effect on symptom management acting as triggers to mood swings,  hypomania, impulsivity, Mania and even manic-psychosis. Excessive online shopping or posting for example can be some of the impulsive behaviours triggered by social media use during a manic episode. During a depressive episode social media can increase feelings of isolation, affect sleep hygiene and elevate anxiety potentially leading to worsening mental health outcomes overall. 

Excessive interaction on social media platforms can also contribute to compulsive behaviours due to its addictive nature. Compulsive behaviours like incessant posting rooted in either manic or depressive symptoms can affect online relationships or lead to users being banned due to questionable or toxic content. Some other negative effects to consider:   

• Emotional Triggers: Exposure to negativity, comparison culture, and toxic content can trigger mood swings heightening symptoms of Bipolar disorder. Emotional triggers can be challenging for social media users as they may be unaware of what may or may not trigger fluctuations in mood until the highs (Mania) or lows (Depression) are already occurring. 

• Doomscrolling and Information Overload: The excessive and compulsive consumption of negative news or distressing content online can  impact mood stability leading to symptoms of paranoia, anxiety, depression or Mania. Doomscrolling and information overload can also occur when users aimlessly spend time on social media searching for content that makes them feel informed rather than uninformed. This constant state of overstimulation can have a negative impact on individuals living with Bipolar disorder acting as a mood destabilizer and leading to problematic mental health outcomes.    

• Sleep Disruptions: The impact of late-night scrolling on Bipolar symptoms can interfere with user’s normal sleep patterns. Checking social media before bed for instance can lead someone with Bipolar disorder to fall down the proverbial social media rabbit hole of scrolling and posting making it impossible to maintain positive sleep hygiene which is a key component of symptom management, medication management, self-care and other mental health outcomes. 

• Impulsive Behaviours: During manic phases, impulsive behaviours can be compounded by online activity like the ability to access instant shopping or gambling platforms, they can become involved in reckless behaviours like excessive posting of content such as videos that may leave them vulnerable to judgement or make inappropriate comments due to lack of self-control. 

It has been my experience that although social media is a useful tool, for women living with Bipolar disorder precautions must be taken when using online platforms in order to maintain good mental health. It's essential to practice mindfulness when engaging with social media. Incorporating social media in your daily structure routine and habits, placing limitations on engagement or positive filters on content can mitigate the negative effects that social media may have in triggering Bipolar symptoms. Whatever your current social media consumption strategies, perhaps it's time to revisit your engagement and set social media boundaries that align with your overall mental health goals.  

The Role of Dopamine and Social Media Addiction in Bipolar Disorder

Dopamine, often referred to as the “feel good” chemical in the brain, is a neurotransmitter responsible for giving you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. In Bipolar disorder dopamine plays a significant role particularly in the manifestation of manic episodes where elevated dopamine levels are associated with feelings of euphoria, increased energy and risky behaviour. Research suggests that excessive dopamine release triggered by social media engagement could exacerbate manic symptoms in people with Bipolar disorder. High dopamine levels in the brain that are linked to social media addiction can lead to symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, grandiosity and poor judgement.

When engaging in social media the brain’s reward system is triggered through likes, increase in followers and positive comments which are all designed to trigger dopamine release. When users with Bipolar disorder experience continuous and unchecked release of dopamine it can have a negative effect on brain chemistry leading to further imbalances. Therefore, social media engagement can amplify the cycle of highs (Mania) and lows (Depression) based on how much and how often it is accessed.

There is a link between compulsive scrolling, mood instability and impulsivity. Continuous and unchecked scrolling of social media content can lead to negative outcomes for people  with a serious mood disorder like Bipolar. Constant viewing of content can act as a trigger for mood fluctuations and unstable behaviours over long periods of time. 

On average women spend 3 hours a day scrolling on social media, which indicates both the positive content they view will provide the sought after dopamine release. However, the negative content viewed may lead to issues around anxiety, comparison to others or low self-esteem. When you are living with Bipolar disorder your sensitivity to social media content is heightened and can have long-term effects on symptom management and mental health outcomes. So how do you manage social media use while still considering your mental health?        

Managing Social Media Use for Better Mental Health

Previously, social media engagement was an important part of my day. However, after my last manic-psychotic episode I made a decision to go through a Social Media Detox.  Four months of hospitalization gave me time to reflect on the people and platforms I engaged with on social media and how they had either positively or negatively contributed to my mental health. I went through my profiles, archived images, unfollowed accounts and unsubscribed to pages that were no longer serving me on my journey to wellness and recovery. Although I still use social media, I manage the time I spend scrolling and I’m more mindful of the content and users I engage with. Here are some suggestions for managing social media for better mental health outcomes. 

Setting Boundaries: Setting social media boundaries is key. You can manage your screen time by setting daily alarms around online engagement. You can also choose to divide social media engagement into days of the week, for example ‘TikTok Tuesday’ or ‘Facebook Friday’, only engaging with these platforms on the designated day and time which can help with information overload. It's also a good idea to curate healthier feeds that align with your wellness and recovery goals. Finally, don’t be afraid to set boundaries with online communities. If the content people share is negative or overwhelming it’s okay to disconnect  from online relationships and use the time to decide if you want to continue to connect in the future. 

Digital Detox Strategies: Detoxing your social media world can be both challenging and overwhelming so it's important to take your time. One strategy you can follow is the Platform-Pictures-People method. Go through the platforms you subscribe to and reflect on whether the information on the page still serves your needs. Second, go through your online image catalog and decide whether images are worth keeping or archiving, this exercise can be a key step in restoring some of your privacy. Finally, review your friends/followers/following lists and decide if staying connected is beneficial to your mental health and recovery journey.  

Mindful Social Media Consumption: Mindful use of social media involves subscribing or following platforms and accounts that promote positive mental health outcomes. Searching for platforms and accounts that promote psychoeducation on mental health and mental illness, mental health advocacy or content based on recovery, wellness, lived experience or self-care are a great place to start. Mindful social media will get easier because once you start searching for positive platforms the algorithm will start sending you more similar and positive-centred content. 

Using Social Media for Good: There are many opportunities to engage in uplifting, purpose-driven online activities. For instance, joining a lived experience forum where you can talk about your journey to wellness and connect with others on a similar journey. Participating on platforms that create open dialogues around mental health and the challenges of mental illness contribute to a safe space of empathy, understanding, education and destigmatization of mental health. 

Final Thoughts

Social media isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s how we use it that matters. Positive and negative narratives around mental health and social media may always exist but for women living with Bipolar disorder, mindful engagement can turn social media into a source of support rather than stress. Understanding the effects of social media on the brain’s reward centre can go a long way in deciding how you manage your social media engagement. By curating feeds, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental well-being, social media can become an empowering tool rather than a trigger. It’s important to remember you are in control of how much or how little you engage with social media.

The Illusion of Manic Love

Manic love is not real, lasting, or healthy. It’s a fleeting state, often mistaken for genuine affection, but it lacks the foundation of mutual respect and stability. This intense attachment can be traced back to unaddressed childhood trauma, creating an obsessive need to be loved that is more about filling a void than forming a true connection. When someone with Bipolar disorder enters a manic phase, they may experience delusions of grandeur—an inflated sense of self that often includes the romanticization of relationships.

During these manic episodes, emotions are heightened to the extreme: happiness feels euphoric, and anger can become explosive. Ordinary love becomes an all-consuming obsession. When we are in the throes of Mania, we might misinterpret friendly gestures from a potential partner—like a smile in line at a coffee shop—as the beginning of an epic love story. In reality, these interactions are often benign, yet our minds create elaborate narratives, leading us down a path of delusion.

A Personal Journey Through Manic Love

In 2010, I was hypomanic and teetering on the edge of full-blown Mania when I met a man who would become the object of my obsession. He was charming, intelligent, and physically attractive, but his unhealthy habits and dangerous associations should have raised red flags. Despite this, I was irresistibly drawn to him. Within three days, I found myself in a physical relationship, impulsively engaging in risky sexual practices, including voyeurism.

This relationship, which I now recognize as toxic, quickly escalated. My obsessive thoughts manifested as constant communication—between 20 to 50 calls daily to New Jersey, disregarding the financial implications. When summer ended, I found myself at his parents’ house, having invited myself to stay. Despite not resuming a sexual relationship, I poured my energy into supporting him in every way I could—cooking, cleaning, and even aiding him financially through his drug problems and criminal issues.

What I thought was love was actually a cycle of abuse that lasted 13 years. My manic episodes would rekindle my obsession, compelling me to reach out and remind him of our past connection. By the time I realized the depth of my delusion, I was sending Western Union transfers to support his lifestyle, desperately clinging to the idea that our bond was special.

The Dangerous Cycle of Manic Love

This kind of manic love often creates a dangerous cycle of mental and emotional abuse. Vulnerability can lead to exploitation, whether financially, emotionally, or sexually. The relationship I had was not one of mutual love; it was a manifestation of my illness and trauma. The thrill of the chase and the high of the initial connection gave way to a painful cycle of obsessive behaviors and emotional turmoil.

By early 2023, during the worst manic episode of my life, I sought out this man again. I had not spoken to him in over two years and had no recollection of him during my periods of wellness. However, mania brought back the memories, and I felt an obsessive need to reconnect. This time, I had changed; I was no longer the naive individual who fell into the delusion of love. Instead, I found myself filled with resentment and anger when I realized he had moved on without me.

In a desperate attempt to reclaim that connection, I proposed marriage, believing that somehow this would reignite our bond. To my dismay, he accepted, only to block my number shortly after. I was left feeling disillusioned and heartbroken over what was never truly love.

The Aftermath: Healing from Manic Love

Today, I am managing my Bipolar disorder and have developed a healthier outlook on relationships. I no longer think about my would-be fiancé or the toxic dynamics of that relationship. Instead, I have taken deliberate steps to protect my mental health, blocking all contact and deleting reminders of my past. I’ve learned to forgive both him and myself for the vulnerability that led to my exploitation.

It is essential to understand that engaging in relationships while in a manic state can have dire consequences. If you are single and managing Bipolar disorder, I urge you to discuss relationship management strategies with your healthcare team. For those already in a relationship, open communication with your partner about your emotional challenges, particularly during manic episodes, is vital.

Building Healthy Relationships: The Path to Self-Awareness

The journey toward healthier relationships starts with self-awareness and self-compassion. Understanding the roots of our emotional needs can prevent us from falling into the trap of manic love. We must learn to recognize the signs of unhealthy attachment and impulsivity that accompany our mood disorder.

Here are some steps to cultivate self-awareness and prevent falling into manic love:

1. Recognize Triggers: Identifying what sparks your Mania can help you navigate relationships with greater awareness.
2. Establish Boundaries: Communicating your needs with potential partners can create a safer emotional environment.
3. Seek Therapy: Professional guidance can provide strategies for managing emotions and building healthier connections.
4. Develop Support Networks: Engaging with others who understand your struggles can provide encouragement and insight.
5. Reflect on Your Needs: Understanding the origins of your obsessive need for love can help you break the cycle of delusion.

Final Thoughts

Manic love is not a romantic ideal; it is a symptom of deeper issues rooted in trauma. By recognizing that these intense emotions often mask underlying vulnerabilities, we can take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from future harm.

If you find yourself drawn into obsessive relationships or romantic delusions, remember that you are not alone. Seek help, engage in self-reflection, and prioritize your mental health. In doing so, you can cultivate a more profound understanding of yourself and what constitutes a healthy, lasting relationship.

Resources for Support

• Trauma Treatment and Therapy: Consider therapy options that focus on trauma-informed care.
• Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: A support group for those struggling with compulsive behaviours in love.
• Books: "Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder" and "Codependency No More" are great resources for understanding and healing.

By confronting the delusions associated with manic love and fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can pave the way for healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.