Managing their mental health disorder may become the center of your interaction, changing the dynamics of your relationship.
Theirmental illness symptomscan also increase your feelings of stress.
you could be supportive, but having boundaries and practicing good self-care is essential.
Verywell / Laura Porter
It can cause emotional upheaval and increased stress.
If their behavior is unhealthy or unpredictable, you might wonder how to help them while still protecting yourself.
This can leave you thinking, “Help!
Their mental illness is killing me!”
Intimacy Problems
If the relationship is romantic, you may experience challenges withintimacyas well.
Here are a few to consider.
This begins with providingempathy, love, andcompassionas they learn how to live with their disorder.
Communication is important when living with someone with mental illness.
While being supportive, you want to respect their privacy, too.
Give them space to do this while letting them know that you’re there if they need you.
To best help your partner, you must take care of your emotional needs, too.
If you are co-parents,talk to your children about mental health.
Also, find ways to cope as a family.
Communicating with the child and their care provider is key, so you could come up with solutions together.
If you have other children, you might also want to get them in on the conversation.
Find ways you’re able to work together support the child’s mental health.
Maybe they arewithdrawing from social activities, for example.
Ask your friend how it’s possible for you to help.
In any case, you want to remember torespect their boundaries(and set your own).
Don’t interfere if it doesn’t feel safe.
Your role is to provide love, support, and empathy for your partner, child, or friend.
They are responsible for managing the symptoms of their mental health disorder.
Find out which option is the best for you.
In these instances, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.
You may need to make other plans, such as getting a job yourself to contribute.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is critical in maintaining healthy relationships, in general.
But it can be especially beneficial if living with someone who has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Ideas forself-careinclude:
Be mindful of burnout or caregiver fatigue.
Experiencing burnout will impact your well-being and your relationship with your loved one.
If you are experiencing signs of burnout, you must prioritize your well-being and take a necessary break.
This involves prioritizing your well-being as individuals as well as within your relationship.
2022;10(12):2423. doi:10.3390/healthcare10122423
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Romantic relationships.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.How to love someone with a mental illness.
doi:10.2196/10402
National Alliance on Mental Health.Learning to help your child and your family.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bipolar relationships: What to expect.
2020;62(Suppl 2):S192-S200.
