Is Someone Who Is Bipolar Free to Marry?

The principle at work here is that of freedom. Does the mentally afflicted person have the freedom necessary to make a commitment to marriage? Very often the use of medications allows a person to function freely and responsibly, so in this case the person could be free to marry. It would be important, however, in the case of someone really diagnosed with bipolar disorder to have a reasonable expectation of stability in maintaining the treatment on the part of the patient and also full knowledge and acceptance on the part of the partner.

This means that a marriage entered into when both were sane cannot be undone or annulled later if one of the parties falls ill again. We say “in sickness and in health.” So the time for discernment and responsible free choice is before the vows are taken. The pre-existing condition should not be a way out of the commitment if it was clearly known and accepted before the marriage. I personally know of successful marriages on the part of bipolar persons. Love conquers all!