Hi,<\/p>\n
Sex and bipolar disorder is a topic that I get questions and comments about more often than you know. Sometimes because of the obvious reasons\u2026 Someone might write me an email about their loved one who is in a manic episode\u2026 And you know that with manic episodes sometimes<\/p>\n
comes the symptom of an increased sex drive. In fact, that can be one of the symptoms or indications that your loved one is in a manic episode. Or they talk about their loved one being depressed\u2026 And that they have lost all interest in sex. And that can be a symptom of or indication that your loved one is in a bipolar depressive episode. Depression can take away their sex drive. But if that does happen, just know that it doesn\u2019t have anything to do with you \u2013 it is not your fault that they are not interested in sex.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s one thing that is common with supporters \u2013 They wonder if their loved one\u2019s lack of interest in sex is their fault, or if they\u2019ve done something to cause it. Sometimes all they need to know is that it\u2019s because of the bipolar disorder itself that their loved one is not interested in sex.<\/p>\n
Another major reason that your loved one may not be interested in sex is because of their bipolar<\/p>\n
medication. This happens frequently with people who have bipolar disorder. There are two problems with their medication: One is that it takes away their sex drive altogether. Again, if this happens, just understand that it has nothing to do with you, and it is not your fault. The other thing could be that even if they do have a sex drive, the medication makes it difficult for them to perform sexually, or to achieve an orgasm. If the problem is due to medication, sometimes the problem can be remedied. If the problem is that the medication just makes your loved one too sleepy for sex, simply have sex before they take their medication. Or you might be able to talk to your loved one\u2019s doctor and change the time that they take their medication to allow for a more active sex life. If your loved one is a man, something like Viagra may be able to help \u2013 talk to their doctor about this.<\/p>\n
But when it comes to bipolar disorder and sex, sex is only one part of the equation. What you are really probably concerned about is intimacy, and intimacy is more than sex. Intimacy is more about the closeness that two people can share. You don’t have to sacrifice the closeness just because your loved one\u2019s bipolar medication makes it difficult for you to have a normal<\/p>\n
sex life with them. Even hand holding or snuggling can be considered intimate acts and can show the other person that you care about them and that they care about you.<\/p>\n
Just being together can be intimate. Maybe just talking about your relationship or things that concern just the two of you, or sharing past memories together\u2026 even that can be intimate.<\/p>\n
A romantic dinner with some candlelight and soft music can be considered intimate as well.<\/p>\n
What matters is the closeness. Just being together is what counts when you’re talking about intimacy.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re concerned about problems in your sex life, talk about it with your loved one\u2019s doctor \u2013<\/p>\n
he or she may have other suggestions for you.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
Sex and bipolar disorder is a topic that I get questions and comments about more often than you know. Sometimes because of the obvious reasons\u2026 Someone might write me an email about their loved one who is in a manic episode\u2026 And you know that with manic episodes sometimes<\/p>\n
comes the symptom of an increased sex drive. In fact, that can be one of the symptoms or indications that your loved one is in a manic episode.<\/p>\n