Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood changes. People with this disorder may also experience codependency in relationships.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex mental disorder where people cycle between periods of mania and depression. During manic periods, a person may feel happy and energetic, or otherwise on an upswing. Depressive episodes are marked by feeling hopeless and sad and having low energy.

While all people experience a range of emotions to some extent, people with BD have severe shifts in mood to the point that it interferes with their everyday lives.

Another feature of BD may be issues with maintaining healthy relationships or codependency. Here’s what to know about BD and codependency, how to identify this issue, and what treatments may help.

Codependency is a type of dysfunctional relationship wherein a person is emotionally dependent on another person. The concept of codependency was first studied in the 1940s in the United States, particularly in the context of relationships involving substance misuse issues. That said, codependency is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR).

Codependency is both an emotional and behavioral issue. It is sometimes referred to as “relationship addiction” and may lead to connections that are not mutually satisfying or even those that are emotionally abusive.

While you will likely not see the term codependency listed as a common symptom of bipolar disorder, many people with BD self-report feeling codependent. A recent study found a significant link between bipolar disorder and codependency tendencies in men.

While more research is needed, the connection between these two conditions may revolve around emotional regulation. With bipolar disorder, a person may have issues with regulating their emotions. If they develop codependent coping mechanisms, they may attempt to regulate their emotions by trying to please others.

It can be difficult to identify if you are codependent or in a codependent relationship. People with this issue tend to rely heavily on others for their own identity or feelings of self-worth. They may even ignore their own needs or feelings to prioritize another person.

The support group Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) shares that behavior patterns of codependency can fall into various categories:

  • Denial: A codependent person may have trouble understanding how they are feeling or try to deny their feelings. They may, in turn, see themselves as selfless and dedicated to the feelings of others over themselves.
  • Low self-esteem: A codependent person may value the opinions and approval of others over their own thinking or feeling. They may feel worthwhile or unlovable, harshly judge themselves, or find it challenging to make decisions while coping with low self-esteem.
  • Compliance: A codependent person may compromise their own beliefs and values to stay loyal to others. They may stay quiet about their own thoughts to avoid rejection or to comply with what others believe or want to do.
  • Control: A codependent person may feel resentment if others do not accept their help or advice. They may also offer excessive favors or gifts to try to influence others or use sex as a tool for acceptance.
  • Avoidance: A codependent person may avoid intimacy (physical or emotional) to prevent themselves from feeling too vulnerable around others. They may act out in hopes of making others reject them or push them away. Alternatively, they may judge others to keep their distance.

Treating bipolar disorder typically involves taking medications and recognizing triggers through therapy. Codependency is an emotional and relationship issue you may also work through with a relationship therapist.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of talk therapy where people examine their thoughts and beliefs and work toward changing unwanted behaviors. In this case, the unwanted behaviors would be the codependent behaviors. Goal setting is a large part of CBT as is the homework (various tasks) between sessions intended toward reaching those goals.

Couples or family therapy

As the name implies, family or couples therapy is for people in close relationships (family members, romantic partners, close friends). This approach can help people explore and understand their relationship dynamics and identify issues that may be causing conflict or distress. The overall goal of this type of therapy can be to address codependency issues, improve communication, and strengthen the relationship bond.

Group therapy

Another option is group therapy — working in a small group with others who are dealing with similar issues. The group meets with a licensed mental health professional like a therapist to share issues and work to find solutions. The benefit of this therapy is that it may be less costly, but some may not like the group setting due to the lack of confidentiality.

Understanding and recognizing codependent behaviors is an important step toward improving relationships. When you can identify behaviors that are harmful in your relationships, you can work to change those patterns or get outside help to work toward healthier, more satisfying connections.

Self-care measures that may help with emotional regulation include meditation, deep breathing, and other mindfulness practices. Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors — like practicing good sleep habits, engaging in hobbies, exercising, and eating nutritious foods — can also help with emotional regulation and overall mental wellness.

Recognizing codependent behaviors is crucial for identifying and addressing unhealthy relationships. If you are dealing with bipolar disorder and think you may have issues with codependency, you aren’t alone.

You can reach out to a therapist or doctor for support in your area. If you cannot find local support, groups like CoDA host in-person, online, or phone support meetings throughout the United States and internationally.