What happens when the medication that stabilizes your mood kills your sex drive? How do you explain invisible symptoms to someone who's never experienced mental health challenges? In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of dating with bipolar disorder—from misdiagnosis and lithium toxicity to learning what "safe touch" really means.

I walk you through the medication roller coaster that nobody warns you about, the impossible conversations about physical intimacy versus sexual touch, and why explaining executive dysfunction to a partner can feel like speaking different languages. If you've ever felt "too much" for wanting emotional understanding, or guilty for medication side effects you can't control, this episode is for you.

You'll learn:

• How bipolar medication affects intimacy and sex drive in relationships
• The difference between physical touch for comfort and sexual expectations
• Why explaining invisible disabilities requires emotional labor partners don't always understand
• How to advocate for your needs without feeling demanding
• What to look for in partners who can hold space for mental health complexity
• Why sensitivity isn't a flaw—it's precision
• How relationship structures can expand as you grow and understand yourself better

This isn't about finding perfect partners. It's about recognizing fundamental differences in communication styles, trusting patterns over promises, and learning that messy healing is still healing.

Whether you're navigating bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or loving someone who is—this conversation will help you understand what real support looks like in the 167 hours between therapy sessions.

Content note: This episode medication side effects, panic attacks, and relationship challenges.

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New episodes drop every Wednesday morning—perfect for your commute, morning walk, or cozy evening wind-down.

Connect with me:

• Instagram: @mentalnesting_
• Substack: mentalnesting.substack.com
• Email: hello@mentalnesting.com
• Join The Nest Community

Want to work together? I offer gentle, between-session support for therapy graduates and sensitive adults. Learn more about 1:1 coaching and community offerings at mentalnesting.com

Remember: Messy healing is still healing. You don't have to be done to be enough.

Mental Nesting Podcast: For sensitive adults who've outgrown the hustle