One of my biggest secrets is that I live my life accompanied by Bipolar Disorder. This disease is characterized by extreme swings in a person's mood. My mood alternates between feeling sad and depressed to happy and active. As you can imagine, it can be slightly challenging to love someone who exhibits these characteristics, however, it is possible.

There are a few things you can do to help your significant other through their journey. The most important thing is to try to be as supportive as possible. Examples include asking if your partner took his or her medication or being there for him or her whenever their illness seems to be overtaking them. We want to know that you care and that you'll always be there.

Celebrating little and big achievements can greatly impact your partners life. Sometimes getting out of bed and showering can be huge achievements and other days, exercising and being productive will make your significant other feel a sense of accomplishment. It makes us feel happy when people notice all the good we've done.

Another good trick is to sit with your partner. When I'm feeling down, there is no immediate remedy to make me feel better, but human interaction comes pretty close. Just knowing that someone is there makes me feel safe, instead of lonely and scared. Talking alone keeps my mind off of the things that are bothering me. Ask what your partner did today or see how he or she if feeling. Having someone to talk to will make him or her feel better, even if it's just a little bit. Every bit counts.

Besides being supportive, loving unconditionally can be important too. If your partner is having a bad day, it is crucial to remember that he or she is living with a disease and it is not his or her fault that they feel the way they do. Let your significant other know that you are there for them, no matter what happens. If they need help, they'll know that you're there to pick them up and dust them off.

Loving someone with Bipolar Disorder can be very difficult, but rewarding. Helping a person feel safe and happy is very fulfilling, knowing you're the one whose responsible. We all deserve to be loved and treated equally. It's just a matter of how we go about doing it. People who suffer from this condition require a bit more patience, but with the proper help, they can and will lead happy, healthy lives.