Dating someone with a mood disorder can be a difficult road to travel. You may feel like you're walking in a mine field, never sure which step will cause an explosion. However, there are tricks to dealing with someone with a mood disorder.
Mood disorders can have a variety of diagnosis. However, it usually means there is a rapid transfer between a very good mood and a very bad mood. The extremes can swing back and forth without warning and tend to stay in the extreme during the manic phase.
Don't Take Things Personally
You must remember that some with a major mood disorder isn't always in control of their emotions. As a romantic interest, you're going to be close to them and often stand in the direct line of fire. That anger isn't your fault though, and not something to take personally. There may be some harsh words thrown your way, but they rarely have any purpose other than venting.
Identify the Pattern
You need to identify the mood pattern when you're dating someone with a mood disorder. Does stress, work or family cause a mood swing? Are there factors in common when a good mood turns bad, or vie versa? Identifying these common factors will help give you warning signs about when your date's mood may change. It will also help you figure out what you should and should not say during a downward swing in mood.
Only Address Problems During a Good Mood
Due to the unstable nature of mood disorders, it's important to time serious conversations appropriately. You only want to address issues, such as the mood disorder or your relationship, when your partner is in a good mood. When they're in a bad mood, they're simply not in the condition to deal with rational problem solving. Trying to address a problem during a downward swing in mood will likely end in argument.
Avoid Agitating a Bad Mood
If you're date is already in a bad mood due to a mood disorder, avoid agitating that bad mood. Don't tell them they're having a mood swing, they probably already know. It's also likely to put them on the defensive, which will make it even more difficult to communicate effectively. During these manic times it's important that you offer support, not criticism.
 | Dating is stressful enough without having to deal with a date who has mood swings. Keep in mind, however, that people have ups and downs; a moody date shouldn't necessarily make or break your time together. If you are patient and self-aware, you can help your date move past his or her mood swings. |
 | It's hard to know if you are compatible with another person, and, though you may meet some great people, they may not be what you're looking for. The key to escaping a date that isn't going anywhere is planning ahead and being honest. |
 | Sometimes, you're fully justified in bailing out of a bad date early. If you find yourself on a date with these dating archetypes, make a break for it. |
If you want to learn how to decode your date's moods, you will be on your way to a much more enjoyable encounter. |
Bad date stories are common when you're looking for love. What is important is that you learn how to learn from the horror stories. |
