Supporting a partner facing mental health challenges
In February, our thoughts turn to love. While Valentine’s Day is important in celebrating the loving aspects of our romantic partnerships, there are difficult parts to any relationship, and navigating a romantic relationship with a partner who is facing mental health struggles can be especially challenging. It requires compassion, empathy, patience, and understanding to support their mental wellbeing, prioritize your own wellness, and maintain the wellbeing of the relationship.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you support your partner on their mental health journey.
1. Educate yourself:
It is important that you understand their challenges the best you can to provide the right kind of support. Whether that is a formal diagnosis or a general comprehension of signs, symptoms, triggers, etc. Be willing to learn from their individual experience as well as external resources.
2. Open communication: Listen to your partner’s perspective of their challenges. Work to create a safe space where your partner can openly and honestly discuss their experiences free of judgement.
3. Clarify how they
want to be supported:
Everyone’s mental health journey is unique, so clarifying the ways your partner would like to receive support from you is crucial. Understanding their specific needs and expectations shows that you are ready to support them and allows you to apply your energy and focus on the strategies they find most helpful. Offering this personalized approach demonstrates your commitment to respecting their autonomy and individual experience.
4. Listen, don’t fix:
It may be our instinct to try to solve problems, but often what a partner may need most is an empathetic listening ear and the recognition that their emotions are valid. Allow them to clarify if they want advice or problem-solving.
5. Avoid toxic positivity: Though generally well meaning, toxic positivity can dismiss your partner’s very real and genuine emotions and struggles. A positive outlook is valuable at appropriate times, but pushing a positive mindset without acknowledging the challenges of mental health can cause feelings of invalidation and hinder the open communication you are striving for.
6. Self-care: Engage in self-care practices with your partner. Find small activities that promote relaxation and joy and meet your partner where they are mentally. A short walk, mindfulness or meditation, or a hobby of a shared interest. Self-care is equally important for someone supporting a partner with mental health challenges, so do not neglect the practices that fill your own cup. Encourage professional
7.
help:
The responsibility does not fall on you entirely and sometimes what your partner needs may be outside of your abilities. It may be important to recognize when professional help should be the next step. Help them find a therapist, book an appointment with their family doctor, and eliminate the stigma they may feel around seeking professional support.
The journey of supporting a partner with mental health challenges may be hard at times, but it does not need to be a dark cloud over your relationship. By fostering a safe environment and prioritizing the wellbeing of your partner and yourself, you can maintain a strong partnership that thrives in the face of these challenges and embrace a relationship filled with love, resilience, and shared growth.
ↆ Woolwich Counselling
Centre is a nonprofit counselling agency that creates awareness and provides education to promote emotional and mental wellness for individuals, families, businesses, and others in Woolwich and Wellesley. Check out their upcoming small group therapy sessions and workshops at www.woolwichcounselling.org