What Is Safety? How I Set Boundaries with My Bipolar Spouse

2026-01-26

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Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through?*This is a re-release of an episodeLet’s talk about safety — real, emotional, everyday safety when you're married to someone with bipolar disorder. I know what it’s like to live in a home where you’re constantly checking for signs, trying to keep the peace, and wondering if your boundaries will ever be respected. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned over the years about defining safety for yourself, building recovery plans that actually work, and finding wa...

Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through?

*This is a re-release of an episode

Let’s talk about safety — real, emotional, everyday safety when you're married to someone with bipolar disorder. I know what it’s like to live in a home where you’re constantly checking for signs, trying to keep the peace, and wondering if your boundaries will ever be respected.

In this episode, I share what I’ve learned over the years about defining safety for yourself, building recovery plans that actually work, and finding ways to care for your partner without losing yourself.

Episode Summary

I open up about the work Chris and I have done — and continue to do — to navigate his ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder and psychosis. From setting non-negotiable boundaries (like “no mania in the house”) to writing out emotional recovery lists and trigger inventories, this episode is packed with real strategies we've used to rebuild connection and trust.

I also talk with a friend about what it feels like to pour yourself into someone who isn’t meeting you halfway, and the pain — and power — in asking for more.

If you're in a relationship impacted by bipolar disorder, or you’ve ever asked, What does safety look like for me? — this one is for you.

Key Takeaways (SEO-Optimized)

What emotional safety in a bipolar marriage really looks like
How to create and use a bipolar recovery checklist with your partner
The power of a personalized triggers list in mental health relationships
How to support your partner with bipolar disorder without enabling mania
Tools for navigating Christian marriage and mental illness with compassion

Connect with Temple
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"Whoops, I Married Bipolar: An Inside Look at A Real Relationship with Mental Illness"
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Links
Heart Healers
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Major Transformation
Healing Foundation
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