Dealing with a mental illness in a relationship can cause stress and frustration. Whether you are the one coping with the illness such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, addiction, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, or PTSD, or are supporting someone else that is dealing with one there are some important factors to keep in mind. It’s important to make sure to communicate, acknowledge difficulties, and know when it’s the right time to seek therapy. We explain a little more in depth of the importance of these factors below.
Communication
It might not be easy to communicate with your partner about mental illness, but it will help increase understanding and build support for each other as your relationship grows. Healthy relationships stem from trust and communication, and it allows for your partner to understand your behaviors without any false assumptions.
If you are not great at communicating, that’s okay! Communication skills can get better through practice and consistency. Taking small steps to growing your communication skills can be as simple as making the time to talk to your partner specifically about how you feel. Zumbro Valley Health Center is always here for guidance along the way if you feel like you need it.
Acknowledgment
As a person dealing with their own mental illness, or someone supporting their partner who has a mental illness, it is important to acknowledge behaviors and feelings before they get out of control. Mental illness can impact the ability to express empathy, create feelings of anxiety, isolation, shame, guilt, and resentment in a relationship. Acknowledging these feelings and emotions can be the first step to finding way to cope and support each other through it.
Therapy
All relationships have challenging times. Seeking professional help may assist you in navigating the impact of mental health on your relationship. There are many different options that you can try such as couples therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, and group therapy sessions. Attending therapy will connect you with a counselor who is a neutral third party.
We are here for you!
When you acknowledge the impact mental health can have on your relationship, you open the door to open communication and action steps for a healthy future. Zumbro Valley healthy center has therapy and classes that are available to help you and your partner cope with mental illness in your relationship. You can contact ZVHC with any questions or concerns by calling this number: 507.289.2089