Table of contents:
- Know the signs of mental illness in your partner
- How to support a partner who is suffering from mental disorders
- 1. Listen to them tell stories
- 2. Don't interrupt
- 3. Not being the therapist
- 4. Value the relationship
- 5. Keep loving yourself
Mental disorders or mental illness experienced by your partner can be a big challenge in a relationship. However, the fruit of adversity can foster a deep sense of love when the two of you can actually face it. Supporting your partner who has mental disorders becomes very important.
Many people are still confused about how they can help their partner for fear of taking a wrong step. So, what should we do as a couple?
Know the signs of mental illness in your partner
Before knowing how to help your partner, it may be helpful to understand the difference between a person with mental illness and a person who is simply struggling.
As reported by Mental Health Foundation, the symptoms of some mental disorders do look the same. However, there are actually differences between two different mental disorders.
For example, people with OCD will show symptoms that are different from those of a panic attack. People who have OCD tend to do the same actions over and over again to reduce their anxiety. Meanwhile, a person experiencing a panic attack will look like someone who is scared, has a racing heart, and faints.
It is very important for you to learn how the types of mental disorders in your partner arise, especially those experienced by your partner. That way, you know how to behave in front of your partner.
How to support a partner who is suffering from mental disorders
Although it may be difficult, supporting a partner who is suffering from a mental illness, such as OCD, anxiety or depression, or other mental health problems can improve the quality of your relationship.
You must be able to balance personal problems with the problems faced by your partner. According to National Alliance on Mental IllnessThere are a few tips when dealing with a partner suffering from mental illness.
1. Listen to them tell stories
One way to support a partner who is mentally challenged is to let the story go. However, it's best not to force him to share the problem if he doesn't want to.
When telling a story, your partner needs courage and trust to let him know that you are not going to take him down. Because of that fear, it usually takes time for your partner to have the courage to tell him the whole problem.
2. Don't interrupt
After your partner has the courage to talk about his disturbance, don't interrupt him. Be a good listener so that your partner doesn't feel neglected.
Even though you may not have experienced something similar, it is better if you do not remain silent instead of saying that you have experienced it. Show sympathy and empathy by listening to the story without being judgmental.
3. Not being the therapist
Finding out what happened and how to deal with your mentally challenged partner is the right step. However, acting as if you are the therapist is an attitude that shouldn't be done.
Instead of having a good effect, it has the potential to mess up your relationship. The best way to support your partner when he has a mental breakdown is to be with him during therapy sessions.
Your partner remains in charge of his own life, from work to his therapist's schedule. Therefore, it is also good to let your partner stay independent, as long as you stay by their side.
4. Value the relationship
Even if your partner has a mental illness, this should not be an excuse to avoid activities that you can do normally.
Starting from continuing to spend time together and expressing praise and affection like a regular partner can make your relationship positive. If it feels difficult, try talking about this to an expert, such as a psychologist.
5. Keep loving yourself
It is not uncommon to support a partner who has a mental illness that makes you forget yourself. When you focus too much on your partner, your physical and mental health can suffer.
Starting from having difficulty managing time, taking care of yourself and your family, to losing friends can occur when you are unable to balance your life.
Therefore, loving yourself by living a healthy lifestyle is still important for maintaining your physical and mental health.
If you can't take care of yourself, how can you support your partner? You can also join a similar community to solve this problem.
