My Mental Health In My Relationship
Research has shown that there is a strong association between relationships and mental health, and this association between the two is bidirectional. Simply put, relationships can impact mental health, and the mental health of an individual can exert significant influence on the quality of their relationship, both platonic and romantic.
While relationships can be a great source of comfort and support, they may introduce some additional stress to the parties involved which has an impact on mental health. Relationships can constitute an emotional burden for people especially when there is a pre-existing mental illness.
Stable, healthy relationships have been shown to have a profound impact on mental health, and, unsurprisingly, unhealthy relationships can negatively impact mental health, especially for someone with a mental illness. They may contribute to a toxic social environment that can heighten stress and intensify conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Mental Illness And Relationships
For people with mental illness, daily routines may be disrupted with a new relationship and this can have an impact on recovery.
Many people with mental illnesses also wonder if a romantic relationship is something worth considering due to stigma or how their prospective partners would perceive them. Some people doubt whether they can be good partners or maintain healthy relationships while learning to cope with symptoms.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for whether someone should be in a relationship if they have mental health issues. For some, a new partner may be a significant setback to their recovery, while for others, it provides support and motivation to adhere to their treatment plan.
However, it’s important to recognize that people with serious mental illnesses can enjoy and maintain healthy, long-term romantic relationships in which they can be respected and receive support from their partner.
In addition, both partners must learn effective communication skills, compromise and conflict resolution. Not only do partners have to manage their stressors, but they have to provide support to one another.
When Am I Ready For A Relationship?
While mental health recovery may not seem like the best time to begin a romantic relationship, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a roadblock. You can still begin a healthy relationship as you navigate the road to recovery. However, your mental health should take priority as you begin the process of finding a relationship.
Romantic relationships do not replace the need for professional treatment for mental illnesses, but they can provide support throughout recovery.
To make sure your romantic relationship supports your mental health, have open, ongoing discussions about boundaries, healthy habits, and how your partner can support your mental health journey.
Knowing When To Disclose Details About Mental Health
When you are meeting new people and dating casually, there’s no reason to divulge information about your mental health.
However, if you’ve met someone that you may want to pursue a long-term relationship with, you should be upfront about mental illness. In most cases, it’s best to talk about it earlier on, rather than waiting until you are in the middle of a mental health crisis.
In addition, remember to always keep track of your mental health while in a relationship as well as changes you may observe. If you have a mental health condition, before you begin dating someone, you may want to talk about it with your therapist. They can help you traverse your way through.
Maintaining Healthy Relationships And Mental Wellbeing
1) Build a healthy relationship with yourself:
Let’s begin with you. The relationship you have with yourself is essential. If you haven’t done that, it is time you begin to pay attention to yourself, treat yourself well and build your self-esteem.
2) Build a healthy relationship with others:
One of the ways you can go about this is to build relationships with respect and support for others, and have open and honest conversations. Be able to speak freely and openly about the way you feel, and in turn, be a good listener to your partner, friend, colleagues or family members.
How To Manage Stress And Anxiety In Relationships
Relationships come with different emotions – both positive and negative. Negative emotions build up and make some people irritable or withdrawn. Being able to have open and honest conversations could help.
- Set boundaries: make good with what you feel able to help with and stick with this.
- Make time for yourself: find time to do something just for yourself. Try to focus on your interests and hobbies.
- Talk to someone you trust: Finding someone you can trust to talk to is a great asset that can improve your mental health.
Should You End A Relationship For Your Mental Health?
While many people can maintain healthy relationships despite mental illnesses, there are cases in which ending the relationship may be the best course of action.
You should consider ending an emotionally or physically abusive relationship to preserve your mental health. However, before ending the relationship, it is important to remember that mental illnesses can cloud someone’s judgment, causing them to end a happy, supportive relationship.
You owe it to yourself, your partner and the relationship, to do everything you can before calling it quits. In addition, try speaking to your therapist or counsellor to get professional support.
Dr Bukola Williams is an Adult ADHD Specialist and the Clinical Director at Synapse Mustard Limited, Abuja – Nigeria.
How Mental Illness May Affect Relationships:
At Intersect Consortium, we understand the dynamics of maintaining a healthy relationship while prioritizing mental health.
Mental illness can strain relationships. We offer specialized support to help you and your partner understand, cope, and strengthen your relationship amidst these challenges.
Prioritize your relationship's well-being with our specialized support.
Website: www.intersectconsortium.com
IG- @intersectconsortium
Phone Number: 0905 690 6007
Address: Plot 220, E Momoh Avenue, Kado, Abuja Nigeria
Your journey to well-being begins with us.
