Being in a Relationship With Someone Who Has a Mental Illness

How mental illness can affect a relationship

When someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, your relationship may be affected. You may have mixed emotions that may include anger, sadness, and hopelessness when your loved one behaves in a way you do not understand. You may also feel some degree of guilt or self-blame for not being able to notice your partner’s condition. Whichever is the case, understanding your partner’s condition, knowing how to deal with the situation and managing future expectations is what you should focus on.

Is it challenging to be with a partner who has a mental illness?

Mental illness can impact a couple’s relationship and may even affect people close to them, such as family. It can be especially difficult because of the stigma around mental illness. This may make it challenging to find support for the one suffering mental illness.

Understanding and supporting a loved one with a diagnosed mental illness may be a strenuous and overwhelming task. Different people have different beliefs about mental health, as well as different perspectives of mental illness. One person may have a more serious condition compared to someone else, so it is necessary to acknowledge your own beliefs and perspectives of mental health or illness in order to understand your partner’s specific situation.

4 tips for how to deal with your partner

If being in a relationship with someone who has a mental illness for you feels overwhelming, below are some important things to remember when caring for them—and yourself as well.

The best outcome will be to help your partner get back on track. Accept that your partner may not improve quickly or get back to being “100% normal”, so be flexible and adapt to what you think is the right way to address the situation.

The following are tips that you can do when being in a relationship with someone who has a mental illness.

Educate yourself about your partner’s condition

Learn and understand their situation by educating yourself with the latest information regarding their mental illness. The more information you have regarding symptoms, treatment methods, and realistic expectations, the better the care you will be able to give to your loved one. Make sure that the information you are reading is all up-to-date and comes from credible sources.

Learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of their condition. Keep in mind that someone who exhibits similar signs as mental illness does not immediately make them mentally ill. It could also be caused by other issues. Consult with a health professional to learn more.

Motivate them to make healthy lifestyle changes

In order to remain healthy, we have to engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and have a decent amount of sleep. Encourage your partner to engage in healthier lifestyle choices in order for them to improve their mental health.

Having a healthy mind will assist in prevention, treatment, and possible recovery from their mental illness.

Be someone they can talk to freely

Being in a relationship with someone who has a mental illness means becoming a trusted, safe space for them to open up to. Do what you have to do to ensure they can trust their safety with you. It is imperative to have a reliable contact. As well as a plan in case they are at risk of self-injury or harming others. However most people with mental health often become victims of assault rather than perpetrators.

Be patient and calm

Remember that rushing someone to get their life back on track may only worsen the situation and put unnecessary pressure on your partner. Showing that you have the patience and willingness to deal with symptoms they may exhibit like sudden outbursts or tantrums, may be difficult but necessary if you wish to maintain a healthy relationship with your partner.

Do not be afraid to talk to them about problems that are bothering them. Try using “I” statements such as “I am worried about you”, “I would like you to consider taking professional help”. Rather than ones that sound accusatory. Keep in mind that you do not have to be an expert to answer their questions.

Tips for supporting yourself

Do not forget to take care of yourself

When being in a relationship with someone who has a mental illness, remember to also take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. When your partner’s condition seems too difficult to handle, you might feel both sad and angry. Releasing your frustrations in socially acceptable ways is necessary in order to avoid accidentally hurting your partner’s feelings. Understanding and recognizing your limits can aid in maintaining proper self-care and emotional well-being.

Find a support group

Have people to talk to or vent out any frustrations that could potentially hurt your partner. These persons can be within your family or individuals who can offer to lend an ear. Support groups for those who experience dealing with mentally ill loved ones can be safe spaces. As well as sources of ongoing mutual support since they understand what you are going through. Other than peers, support from therapists can also aid in providing solutions that have not been tried or approached.

Take a break if needed

When things become too overwhelming, you may suffer possible burnout from getting emotionally exhausted. If you feel as if being in a relationship with someone who has a mental illness is taking a toll on your own health, it may be time to take a break and reevaluate things. Taking some time off does not mean that you are giving up on them, it simply means that you need time to recover. Use this time to gain new perspectives on how to deal with them and to focus on taking care of yourself in the meantime.

Learn more about Health Relationships here.