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Ties That Bind: Understanding Love and Mental Illness
Love’s not easy. It’s a roller coaster, complete with exhilarating highs and stomach-dropping lows. But what happens when mental health issues, like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or chronic anger, join the ride? Suddenly, that roller coaster looks more like a complex maze, where each turn brings an unpredictable challenge.
In the U.S. alone, nearly 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That’s a huge chunk of the dating pool. So, the chances are high that you or someone you care about is in a relationship where mental health is a third wheel.
Take Jenna, for example. Her partner, Taylor, has BPD, characterized by mood swings, impulsive actions, and unstable relationships. One minute, Taylor showers Jenna with love, convinced she’s the one. The next, out of fear of rejection, Taylor might withdraw, leaving Jenna feeling like she’s shadowboxing with their emotions.
And it’s not just BPD. ADHD can manifest as forgetfulness or difficulty paying attention to details. It’s like trying to have a romantic dinner while a TV in the background keeps changing channels. For someone with bipolar disorder…
