World Bipolar Day is celebrated on March 30th every year. This day, which focuses exclusively on bipolar disorder I and II, is non-coincidentally the birthday of the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day aims to inform and destigmatize the general public…
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition which can make trusting other people and establishing lasting relationships extremely difficult. This can make coping with BPD in relationships frustrating for the person carrying the diagnosis, as well as for a loved one who is often trying to understand and be supportive….
Being in a romantic relationship has its ups and downs. But what about dating someone who has a mental health condition like bipolar disorder? As it so happens, dating someone with bipolar disorder I or II may not be so different from dating anyone else, actually. And although it’s true…
Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and not all are monogamous. While most people are only familiar with monogamous relationships, polyamory involves multiple nonmarital relationships between partners. Polyamory isn’t about being able to do whatever you want with other people, while still reaping the benefits of going steady with…
Narcissists are extremely self-centered. These are the people that make everything about themselves—the ones that brag every chance they get and truly think they’re better than others. Some narcissistic individuals have their egotistical tendencies under control, but others have a more serious problem: a disorder rooted in their narcissism. When…
Q: How can I cope with my spouse who has an alcohol abuse problem? It is hard seeing it every day and not knowing if he will ever seek help. A: Hi there, We’re so sorry to hear that you’re struggling — we know it’s so difficult to cope with…
My brother shakes his head and sighs, “You’re too nice. It’s going to get you into trouble one day.” I’ve heard this one too many times. I know that I’m a people pleaser, but I’ve always struggled to see the flaw in that… until recently. After exhausting myself, taking on task…
Most guides to defining healthy relationship boundaries focus on new couples. How do you set your personal rules of engagement from the beginning so both partners feel safe and respected? But people in long-term relationships know that love is dynamic. Humans continually grow and change both as individuals and as…
When we see someone spend a little too much time in front of the mirror or obsess over taking the perfect selfie, we may casually throw out the term “narcissist.” Everyone can become self-occupied on occasion but true narcissism is different. Narcissists often show disregard for the feelings and general…
Any family can tell you: There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship. Friction between relatives is unavoidable—but having nosy parents takes it to another level. Having your feelings of independence and freedom cut down by invasive questioning and over-the-top pushiness can get on your nerves. But it’s not as…
This is not a fun topic to write about. Parent-child breakups are painful for everyone involved: for the adult children who feel torn between filial duty and self-protection; for the toxic parents who can’t understand what they did wrong; and even for the children those parents once were, who were…
Let me paint you a picture. It’s 2 pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and you’re feeling stressed out, yet bored. You’re eating your lunch at your desk because you want to give off the impression that you’re working hard. You take a personal phone call and pretend to be speaking…
