The title of this article appears to be misleading. It's one thing to be in relationship with a committed partner prior to an episode, but starting a new relationship while in recovery is an another matter entirely. As the examples in the article show, the safe bet is focusing on the work necessary to recover. Focusing 100% on your recovery will allow you to make the space for someone when the time is right. Like the saying goes - timing is everything! With regard to timing, there is no set time table for recovery. Everyone's recovery plan is different. However, I doubt that courtship is included for any true recovery plan. Besides this article, I've yet to be exposed to any advisement encouraging dating during the recovery process - via a peer, a psychiatric professional, a therapist, or any literature on mental illness. Recovering from an episode is usually a very arduous process. I would advise anyone in recovery to use this time to focus on self-care. Again, if you are already in a relationship prior to an episode that is a different set of circumstances. In my opinion, jumping into a relationship, starting a new job, or a litany of other life changing events can be challenging circumstances for any person, let alone someone with a mental illness, let alone someone recovering from an episode! USE THIS TIME FOR YOURSELF! You deserve the space to recover! Surround yourself with as many reliable people as you can during this time. Companionship is an important piece to recovery, but it should come from your friends, family, or anyone that truly values your wellness. Recovery involves setting boundaries and safe guards to help promote stability. Is there anything remotely stable about dating? Readiness is a skill that is highly undervalued in the dating world. In my opinion, it's better served to work up to being stable enough that you can maneuver with the ebbs and flows of seeking an intimate partner. Why put yourself at risk dealing with the uncertainty of dating when it could distract or even hamper your ability to recover from an episode?