Mental Health and Relationships.

Mental illness can affect many aspects of life, including intimate relationships. Some individuals may experience hesitancy or fear of disclosure to their partner due to the continued stigma surrounding mental illness. Communication is key to having a healthy, positive relationship despite mental health struggles. Our experts share some advice for navigating your relationships while managing your mental well-being. Healthy relationships can be a great support system and positive resource, but your decision to disclose is up to you. “Sometimes we have our own stigma associated with disclosing our mental health struggles. We hesitate to share with our partner for fear of pushing them away,” says Tory Miller, Diversus Health Clinical Programs Manager. “However, a healthy relationship needs trust and communication. You may not disclose right away, but it is something to consider if you want to take the relationship with that person to the next level.”

For those who may not experience the same mental health struggles as you, education and understanding are critical. “For the partner, it can be helpful for them to understand the steps you’re taking to treat your mental health condition such as therapy and/or medication.
Your mental illness may affect other aspects of your relationship with your partner.Sometimes our mental health symptoms can make us feel lethargic, impact our ability to express empathy, or cause feelings of anxiety and isolation. Sometimes these symptoms can cause codependency or even resentment of your partner.”

As you start to develop a deeper relationship, continue conversations around your mental illness. Communication is vital for a better understanding of both parties’ needs during acute episodes and how to hold each other accountable, set healthy boundaries, and ask for help when needed.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sabu-mathew/message