How To Cope With a Partner Who Has a Mental Illness

Dealing with a mental illness can be extremely hard on a relationship and the impact can often be overlooked. You may feel that your role in the relationship is now centred around a pattern of managing your partner’s mental health disorder and that your mental health is now suffering as a result. The good news is that mental health problems do not have to damage a partnership, even despite the stress it may bring. Regardless of the challenges you may face, there are ways to maintain a healthy relationship.

Emotional upheaval

Serious mental health conditions often have a biological component and probably could not have been avoided by anything that you, as a partner, might have done differently. It’s important to realise that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions such as shame, hurt or embarrassment. Often people feel angry at the new circumstances and even at their partner.

However, keep in mind that most people diagnosed with a mental health condition improve over time. Further to that, your patient attitude, support and behaviour as their partner can make an essential contribution to recovery. You can provide a positive and accepting attitude while also upholding realistic expectations for your partner despite their condition. In addition, family therapy can be very useful.

How To Cope With a Partner Who Has a Mental Illness

Relationship stress goes both ways. Here are some suggestions on how to help your partner struggling with mental health issues.

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When your partner is first diagnosed with a mental illness, this news may be distressing, scary and maybe even embarrassing for them. On the other hand, a diagnosis might provide validation for their symptoms and the feelings they have been experiencing. Regardless, the stigma associated with mental health issues may leave your partner worrying that you may see them differently or worse, no longer love them.

It’s essential to make sure your partner knows that you still love them and are there for them during this difficult period.

A few ways to show this include:

• Listening to their feelings
• Validating what they are feeling
• Acknowledging any positive progress they may make
• Supporting their psychology journey and respecting their privacy when it comes to sharing their therapy details
• Contacting emergency services if they are at risk for harming others or themselves
• Asking your partner to suggest ways that you can best support them
• Having your own support system— whether it’s a trusted friend or family member, support group or therapy.
• Not pressuring yourself to be able to ‘fix’ everything

Don’t try to be a therapist

Although it’s important to educate yourself on the various ways you can help your partner, keep in mind that it’s not your job to be their therapist. Your most important task is to display compassion, empathy, and support to your partner as they work toward recovery. Only your partner, at the end of the day, is responsible for handling their condition, and only they can make the necessary changes.

Practice selfcare

Self-care is important when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship. Some ways to practice self-care include:

• Ensuring a good nights rest
• Regularly exercising
• Nourishing your body with wholesome foods
• Spending time with family and friends
• Planning time for hobbies that you enjoy
• Journaling about your thoughts and feelings.
• Practice calming breathing techniques for relaxation

Watch out for signs of caregiver fatigue and burnout.

Support For You

As you begin to adjust to living with a partner who is struggling with their mental health, it’s essential to find a source of support. Joining an online family support network may be beneficial since these people are dealing with similar issues to you.

Be sure to look after your own needs. To keep your stress levels in check, make time for exercise, adequate sleep, and eat nutritious, regular meals. You will be able to give better support to your partner if you take good care of yourself.

It’s also important to pay attention to your own mental health. We suggest speaking with a mental health professional if you feel like you need additional help or may benefit from learning new coping strategies. The anonymity offered by working with an online therapist can make it easier for you to open up without fear of being judged.

If you’d like to speak with one of our psychologists who is experienced in handling relationship issues, anxiety, stress management or other concerns, click here to book online today. Or, give our friendly reception team a call on 1800 327 477 (AU) or 0800 327 477 (NZ).