I have now discovered many truths about her past by talking with her first and second husband. 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. But then I met a really great guy, who I am now with. However, there is some research that has been conducted on this topic. We are currently waiting for our counselling appt. Is there any comments from anyone who had face cheating even when the ill partner was under medication? Am I right in being concerned that he is playing with his health? The person with Bipolar Disorder may be experiencing a powerful sense of superiority and entitlement, and/or an unshakable conviction they are above the rules and/or an aching feeling of being misunderstood and under-appreciated – this … I read a lot of comments on how they cheat and why but the side I want to know is what happens if you cheat on them “bipolar partner” . I was standing next to my partner’s hospital bed when he told me he had slept with someone (he had just been diagnosed with bipolar … Medically reviewed by Carolina Estevez, Psy.D. Anyways so back to cheating, the first man I fell inlove with I was seeing another man at the same time at the beginning of the relationship, I thought I wouldsee what would happen and if the initial one would be ok and then the other one was not my type of person anymore, I was young although still I thought this was completely ok. It’s almost like I’m dealing with something that’s not myself and I do my head on about it because I know o physically done these things how can I not blame myself, and I have controlled myself a lot more, there was a lot of things I could’ve done things I wanted to do but I did other things that were stupid because I rationally knew that I would hurt people I love dearly but just because I am saying this and I have bipolar that doesn’t mean I have done an array of things that were unhealthy and things I’ve done that felt great but were not good at all. Bottom line, if the illness causes her to cheat, then she needs to stay on her meds. I’ve been married to him for 16 years and stayed with him when we discovered he was bipolar but I just can’t deal with infidelity like this. So that is progress, she has never been truthful with me. I had many of the behaviors associated with Bipolar and I and some others can now look back and realize they were present but flew under the radar. It is not uncommon for someone on a manic spree of Bipolar hypersexuality to destroy their finances in order to have sex, – the infidelity resulted from your partner’s Bipolar mania. There is one woman she reaches out to and tries to meet up with. I ensure I’m open … Unfortunately, I was seeing someone who did not have the skills and knowledge to recognize the disorder. Impulsivity and sexual promiscuity can be part of hypomania or mania. Please visit www.bipolarlives.com regularly, as it is coming very soon. 2021 HealthyPlace Inc. All Rights Reserved. She seeks and destroys other people, lies constantly, and has been physically abusive to me and others. ( We have know each other 40yrs) He then shortly after this began to see his ex wife, telling her he wanted to try to get back together. When you say bipolar infidelity do you mean they cheat like one night stands or do you mean they have full blown affairs for months and months and even switch partners over time. Am I correct in being concerned that this could turn bad? I have denied my bipolar diagnosis and refused medication. I have taken the time to get educated on her illness and have met with her psychiatrist. I wish I didn’t but I love the guy. She honestly messed up. The only time this happens is at the mania stage. Bipolar-Lives.com (“website” or “site” or ”we”) is an informational website that sells eBooks and refers users to online merchants (“Advertisers”) that market bipolar patient support services. Bipolar infidelity is fueled by Bipolar mania, especially in people who have not been diagnosed yet. He went from the sweetest man I have ever know to someone I almost did not recognize. I was honest and told my boyfriend. It kills me to go through the fighting and deal with his lies, secrets and cheating. Hi What happens when you cheat on your Bipolar boyfriend or girl friend. I heard her come on to him and being that he hadn't bee taking his medications he didn't stop. I only wish he would recognize he has a problem and get help. We are going to seek counseling. I remember wanting friends wanting life after being depressed so long and then I spiraled out of control away from reality and even the understanding of what I was doing. He said I never saw that. Thanks. During a manic episode, the laws of both society and nature don't always apply. I realized what was really going with multiple women on 3 months ago. I was ashamed and disgusted with myself. It wasn’t a one night stand and then done like you would think in a manic fit. We are currently separated and I am trying to decide what is best. Thought he was the answer to my prayers, so sweet and loving. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support. Next, I entered a relationship with a really cute and caring guy. I just couldn’t stop having sex with random people, many of whom I didn’t find attractive. It would not have happened if your partner had been well and stable. Rejected Because of Bipolar. But I didn't care, I sucked it all up. She then found out he was seeing the other woman also. He also sees me, however, having a lot of experience with bipolar,( my late father in law, sister in law, and several other family members suffer with this), he has not been able to keep his activities secret from me. There is no way an outsider can shed light on other issues within your relationship. on 2021, January 18 from https://www.healthyplace.com/bipolar-disorder/relationships/bipolar-disorder-and-infidelity-why-it-happens, Rape victim stories can be very difficult to read, frightening and emotionally draining for some but stories of rape show other victims that they are not alone in their struggles. Hello, I am recently diagnosed Bipolar Type 2 and I have struggled with bipolar infidelity ever since I was 18. We’ve tried taking Naltrexone with the lithium but it causes irritability and doesn’t seem to be very affective, a little. It is critical to discover the facts and avoid the pitfalls of this detrimental aspect of the disorder. If you are with a man who has a metal illness, like bipolar disorder. I’ve been recently diagnosed with bipolar type 2 before this diagnosis I was diagnosed with ADHD although I actually still have ADHD that needs to be treated after the bipolar is. to start but I dont even know if i want to talk about our relationship and just focus on how to navigate divorce w/ 3 kids. I wish their was some kind of medication or hypnosis or something to help him. I still am involved but unlike the others I am fully aware of what he is doing. He talks about making appointments and sets them up but always has an excuse for not making them. My husband did the same thing. Best of luck to both of you. 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%! thing is, no story I have read regarding serial cheating, multiple affairs, types of affairs, etc….fits our story. Apparently the only reason it stopped is because she got tired of him leaving her for a few weeks to come back home to the kids and myself and she finally broke it off. Click here to read our full disclaimer. The Bipolar person experienced extreme shame and guilt due to their actions while the spouse dealt with severe heartbreak and despair. The cause of the infidelity is hypersexuality, impaired judgement, poor impulse control, and grandiosity. While the specific symptoms of bipolar do not include cheating, lying, etc., these characteristics are much more likely to come up as a result of bipolar's actual symptoms. Please think carefully about this information on Bipolar infidelity. 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. He was diagnosed with ADHD last summer. Is it normal to be kept a secret in a bipolar relationship? Well he has told he he has cut his dose in half due to hand tremors, but not on his doctors orders. Women have ALWAYS been an issue and it makes sense w/ his diagnosis as it was always in patterns, things would be great for about 6 mo. I have never been introduced to any of his family or friends. Coping with a spouse that has Bipolar Disorder is wrought with many stressors for the caregiving (i.e., non-Bipolar) partner. Fortunately, the most problematic and dangerous symptoms of bipolar disorder are the easiest to treat. He said was done talking to her because he loved me and wanted to be with me. Thank you for this. When he was busted he just turned around and went out to bars and lied to me some more saying that he was so upset about hurting me he couldn’t get out of his room most nights which was all a lie. Site last updated January 18, 2021, DSM-5’s diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Infidelity: Why It Happens. By subscribing to our mailing list, youll get the latest news, views and  info about bipolar disorder, direct to your inbox! When I graduated, I figured it was a sexual addiction. Any info or your experiences shared would be helpful. the only story that ive read that is similar deals w a wife who was suffering from Bipolar Hyperexuality. Just like everybody else, people with bipolar disorder have to accept responsibility for their actions while learning from their mistakes. I started taking a mood stabilizer from a psychiatrist, but I’m worried it’s not helping with the hypersexuality. And then I lost control and cheated again. I knew my fiance has bipolar issues. During this mania cycle, she seeks attention from other women from her past. I am going through the mania with my spouse now. I just found out and am in a state of shock. I am worried because I am getting the urges again, and I really don’t want them. This came on the heels of consecutive miscarriages and me losing my job (our only income). He was the one cheating on me yet I was the one constantly under the gun having to prove my every step to make sure he knew I was faithful and true. Of course, there are many reasons for infidelity within a marriage or committed relationship, and it’s important to remember that having bipolar disorder does not mean you can’t be faithful to a romantic partner. Can you explain if this is indeed due to his bipolar or if this is just plain old cheating. There are days he will admit that he can tell he is alittle off. She kept it a secret until recently and says she was most likely manic to have done something like that. I think you have to experience mania yourself, or be close to somebody who has to truly understand what it is like. He was not on his medication. But he also admitted to briefly having the thought of being in a relationship with her but knowing it would never work. Then he starts seeing his ex-wife, telling her he wants to get back together, while also seeing this other woman. We strongly recommend you to consult with a professional such as your doctor and/or therapist for specific advice related to your situation. My late father in law, sister in law and several other family members all had bipolar, and I recognized the symptoms immediately. Yes *gasp* I cheated. For example, some medications cause weight gain and loss of libido. Talking to a professional could be very helpful here. You may also want to read up on Excessive Spending and Bipolar Disorder. 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.).