So Yegneswaran creates a backup plan to accommodate the possibility of an. Elspeth Rawlings, 23, a student in Frederick, Maryland, tends to only date people she already knows, which helps. Myrna Weissman, PhD, professor of epidemiology and psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; department chief, clinical-genetic epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute.
For people with , piloting the unpredictable waters of dating can mean much more anxiety than normal. Here, five adults with bipolar disorder talk about their dating experiences, and how they navigate both the dating scene and the crucial question of when to disclose their mental health issues. Dattaro was diagnosed with right after her 23rd birthday. Greenberg also says that your anxiety could be heightened. Leah Yegneswaran, 24, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, who was at the age of 20, agrees. So Yegneswaran creates a backup plan to accommodate the possibility of an. Elspeth Rawlings, 23, a student in Frederick, Maryland, tends to only date people she already knows, which helps. At age 17, Rawlings was misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder. She was formally diagnosed with bipolar I in early 2015 and is now thriving with the right therapy and regimen. Low-key first dates — like watching movies together — are best for her, Rawlings says. Should You Disclose Your Bipolar Disorder? According to Greenberg, not disclosing right away is okay if doing so would be uncomfortable. Zamo has had that experience. Michelle Mallet, 32, of Seattle, describes herself as outspoken and open with friends and coworkers about her mental health. Mallet, who currently works as a chef, was diagnosed with the condition around age 18 or 19. Dattaro leans that way, too, in a mental balancing act of her own. When it comes to relationship style, has shown that adults with bipolar disorder display more insecure attachment styles when compared to people without the disorder. The mood state does matter, according to Mallett. But what about the pluses of dating? Dattaro sees some possibilities. In fact, there are dating sites that cater specifically to bipolar matchmaking, like. The ability to make jokes and talk about that shared experience can be a coping mechanism, she believes. Know Yourself, and Get to Know Your Date, Too Getting to know the person first makes a big difference.