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If you have constant contact with someone who is dealing with a mental illness, then you must remember that it does not mean that they are unstable. Someone with mental illness, whether they have taken help via formal treatment or is aware of their condition, may have developed ways of coping it.
They may try to live their life as normally as they can. If someone who you are in a relationship with tells you about their mental illness, make sure that you listen to what they are saying. Avoid assuming or jumping to a conclusion; do not act as if you know what they are dealing with.
Be supportive and be sweet. This is something that is important for every type of relationship and is not restricted to a mentally ill partner. This is one of the most vital tips to make your things work when mental health issues play a major role in your private life.
In order to make sure that there is an open line of communication, it is vital that your partner is aware of the fact that you are okay with their illness. Your partner should be able to rely on you without making any assumptions or judging you. The more open you both are about your feelings, the easier they can talk to you about their problems. The most tear-jerking thing to ever go through is watching the person you love the most suffer from physical pain and mental or emotional disorder.
It can be incredibly difficult and can cause tension, anxiety, and confusion when one partner is undergoing mental health problems. One thing that you must think of is that even though offering support to your partner is great but getting help to live a healthy and happy life is their decision, not yours. You need to accept the stage they are in and be compassionate with them. In a relationship with a mentally unhealthy partner, you will have to accept some quirks and elements of your partner in your life just like every other relationship.
Sometimes, mental illness can be even harder on you, the partner, than it is on us. Trust me, we feel terrible about those times, but harping on it only increases our guilt and the associated depression.
So while it is important to bring up issues that you might have, it is necessary to do so in a way that is part of the solution rather than increasing the problem. Practice compassion with your partner. Living with a mental illness is hard, and some days are harder still. Understand that on those days, not everything will be likely to be achieved by your partner.
Instead, try speaking positively about what your partner did accomplish.
On particularly bad days, getting out of bed, eating a meal, and taking a shower might constitute success. Be involved in your partner's support system.
Do this with the knowledge and consent of your partner. Learn what psychiatric medications are being taken and understand their effects and side effects. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, take care of yourself. Don't allow your partner to overburden you.
It is like the oxygen masks on airplanes. Only take care of those around you after you are in a safe place.
Here are some things to think about when it comes to getting into a relationship with someone with depression , anxiety , PTSD , ADHD or similar mental health conditions: I feel like this post was talking about me! The more open you both are about your feelings, the easier they can talk to you about their problems. People with OCD might show up late to work because they had to perform lengthy rituals before leaving the house. Second, do not simply nod and move on. She probably woke up late and replied. She is probably different than other girls you have dated.
There are resources out there through organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI for friends and family of people with mental illness, and you may find these helpful. Dating someone with mental illness is not a death sentence.
It is, however, something that needs to be properly managed and will require you to keep all of these things in mind to be successful. Jonathan Berg is a former non-profit executive who decided to chuck it all and become a travel blogger. He is passionate about good food, amazing experiences, and helping those who struggle with mental illness as he does.
Tips on Dating Someone with a Mental Illness.