There has been growing emphasis on improving and maintaining our mental health as individuals without enough attention being paid to how to navigate supporting loved ones who have been professionally diagnosed with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, autism and eating disorders, to mention but a few. Unfortunately, life happens and sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can take a toll on the mental health of a significant other.
Mental health is so important because it plays a crucial part in how we function as individuals, how we relate with those around us, our productivity and so much more. Mental health and stability should not be joked about or brushed off as trivial. I am glad to see that it is finally getting the much-needed attention and advocacy it deserves in mainstream media.
Seeing how evident the state of our mental health and that of our partners play a vital role in the quality of our relationships, I am going to be sharing a few tips on how to support a partner with mental illness.
1—Understand their Diagnosis and Personal Struggles
Due to the nature of mental illnesses, it is hard to recognize a person suffering from one because the symptoms may not be visible by merely looking at the person. In other words, it is not written on the forehead. As a result, living with a form of mental illness can present its own set of unique challenges to everyday life and relationships depending on the individual. The symptoms of mental illness vary and can range from extreme mood swings to social withdrawal and much more. It is important to familiarize yourself with your partner’s diagnosis and personal struggles.
2—Be a Good Listener
The subject of mental illness tends to be one a lot of couples shy away from, largely because they are struggling with the fear of being misunderstood or worse, judged by the other person. The best way to support your partner struggling with mental illness is to simply listen with an open mind. We all want to feel heard regardless of our struggles. Mental Illness affects individuals differently and it is fundamental to listen openly to those experiencing it in order to offer effective support.
3—Build Your Relationship Outside Mental Illness
Although mental illness and its symptoms can be all-consuming, your partner is not defined by their mental health struggles, and neither should your relationship. It is important to work on your relationship to improve it as you would if mental illness were not an issue. Continue to spend quality time with one another, communicate openly and honestly and express your love for one another. Try to maintain a sense of normalcy in your relationship and remember that your relationship does not have to be defined by mental illness.
4—Have Your Own Support System
As crucial as it is to support your partner, it is important to not neglect the fact that you need your own support system as well. The beauty of a strong support system is having people cheer you on when you feel like giving up, and having external sources pour into you through their regular calls to check up on you and make you laugh when you feel drained. If you are currently in a relationship with a partner who is struggling with mental illness, I will highly recommend forming a support system which may consist of family members, as well as your close friends.
5—Make Self-Care a Priority
To effectively support your partner and for your general well-being, it is important to prioritize taking care of yourself. Creating and sticking to a self-care routine to help protect your mental health and peace of mind should be of uttermost importance. Self-care may include exercising, participating in activities that bring you joy and spending time with loved ones. Self-care can also include seeing a mental health professional for those who have loved ones diagnosed with mental health issues.
6—Seek Professional Help
Nothing beats seeking help from a licensed and well-experienced professional. This can be a therapist, counsellor or maybe even both, but it is important to seek professional help and guidance, to determine practical solutions on how to move forward and improve the relationship between you and your partner.
Supporting a partner with mental illness is very possible but requires a lot of patience, love, commitment, and consistency. On days when your partner is unable to meet you halfway, you have to go the extra mile. Life can be unpredictable and when those we love most are hurting, we have to be strong on their behalf. Choosing to stay committed even when things get difficult can be tough, especially with delicate issues such as mental illness. However, as the saying goes, love can triumph over adversity.
