Nearly half of all individuals will suffer from a mental disorder at some point in their lives. Mental illness may lead to a lower quality of life, diminished productivity and job, and even physical health problems, according to research and experience.

Post-traumatic traumatic stress, major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and alcoholism are all mental illnesses that can have an impact on a person's relationships. The intimate connection between spouses may be the one most damaged by mental illness.

The excellent thing is that having a healthy, meaningful, and long-term relationship with someone that has a mental condition is feasible. If this applies to you, be familiar with the specific problems you and your spouse may encounter, and use resources and tactics that will help you overcome them.

Three Ways Mental Disorder Can Harm a Relationship

The challenges listed below are frequent among couples who are dealing with mental illness. Because no two relationships are identical, it's critical to consider your context of yours to determine where you might need further help.

Shame, remorse, and bitterness.

Being diagnosed with a mental disease is difficult enough, but the prejudice connected with mental illnesses can add to the stress for both spouses. A person with depression may experience feelings of shame, humiliation, or guilt as a result of their disease. They may try to conceal their symptoms or neglect to seek care. In the meantime, their spouse may be perplexed or annoyed by their incapacity to assist them. A person suffering from depression and anxiety may find it extremely difficult to do household activities, have limited psychological availability, struggle to keep a job, and lack the willingness to socialise. These habits and obstacles can place a strain on their relationship, leading to feelings of frustration, rejection, and alienation from their partner.

Problems with intimacy.

A mental illness can render a person uninterested in sex, as either a result of the illness itself or as a result of therapy. (An antidepressant's decreased passion is a typical adverse effect.) Many persons who suffer from mental illnesses may feel inadequate, experience performance anxiety, and have low self-esteem. For both couples, this might result in fewer opportunities for bonding and a decline in intimacy.

Codependent tendencies pose a danger.

Codependency is a dysfunctional relationship pattern in which one spouse supports the poor mental health, addictions, and/or coping mechanisms of the other. The self-worth of a spouse with a psychological disorder may become to depend on how much they are 'needed' or how much they can 'take care of' their loved one. Codependency may lead to abusive behaviours such as deception, name-calling, and other toxic dynamics in extreme circumstances. It will assist if you can tell the difference between the urge to encourage and support and the co-dependent character of controlling the other person's symptoms.

When both parties have the skills and understanding to handle and negotiate through these problems, having a spouse with a mental health issue may be managed in a relationship.

This is why a fundamental change is required: people should feel confident in seeking treatment if they or a loved one is suffering from mental illness. Mental illness is neither a moral nor a character weakness. Yes, people must be held accountable for their actions and behaviours, but they also require context, compassion, and support so that they may learn to manage their health, recover from prior trauma, and respect their partner's perspective.

Partner-Friendly Advice

Inform yourself. Learn about the illness as a group. This will help you understand it better and will reveal how the symptoms show in your marriage or connection.

Improve your communication abilities. Discuss your feelings, wants, and worries freely and honestly. Use 'active listening' techniques such as requesting clarification, asking clarifying questions, and displaying engaging language and actions (eye contact, a gentle touch, and interest).

Commit to good self-care. You'll be better able to help each other and your family if you take care of your physical and emotional health. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, a consistent sleep pattern, writing, and engaging in hobbies and activities that you like are all beneficial acts of self-care.

Seek expert assistance. Make use of whatever resources are available to you and are within your budget. Couples counselling, as well as solo counselling, may be beneficial.

Make reasonable expectations. You can't expect someone to alter who they are or to always satisfy all of your requirements; this is true in all relationships. You shouldn't have to push your limits to keep the relationship going. Find a method to compromise and evolve so that you both feel secure.