How can you support a partner with mental health issues in a relationship?

It can be incredibly hard to know how to support a partner with mental health issues in a relationship. One of the most important things to remember is that it's not your responsibility to fix them –– no matter how much you love them or want to help. Taking care of yourself is also essential for being able to take care of those around you.

It can feel like you’re playing a guessing game when your partner is dealing with mental health issues. You can’t help but wonder what will make it better, but you can’t read minds. Everyone experiences their emotions differently and has different needs. All you can do is ask and then really listen to what they say. Having patience and understanding is key, but so is advocating for yourself. Make sure it’s clear that your needs matter too, and try to come to an agreement with your partner on how best to meet everyone’s needs.

One of the best ways to help support your partner is to attend couples counselling together. It gives you both an opportunity to sit down with a professional who can mediate between you and provide an objective perspective. This can be a great way to practice open communication, uncover underlying issues, and work toward finding solutions.

It can be difficult when your partner seems emotionally unavailable or shuts down. That doesn’t mean they don’t still love and care about you, though. It’s important to remember that their mental health issues might be making them act out of character or behave differently than they normally would. When it feels like they’re pushing you away, take a step back instead. Show them love and compassion even if they don’t seem like they’re reciprocating –– they likely just need some space to work through whatever they’re going through.

It can be easy to become overwhelmed when dealing with someone’s mental health issues. It can seem like the struggles are never-ending, but it’s important to practice self-care too. It can be helpful to have meaningful one-on-one time with your partner, whether that be a romantic date night or just snuggling up and watching a movie together. It’s also important to make time for yourself and stay connected with your closest friends, which can provide support, laughs and relief from constantly focusing on your partner’s struggle.

It’s also important to create a safe space for your partner to talk about their mental health without judgment or criticism. You can do this by actively listening to them and validating their feelings. Let them know that whatever they’re feeling is ok and that they’re not alone.

You don’t have to constantly walk on eggshells around your partner. Chances are they are aware of the issue they’re dealing with and trying to manage it as best they can. Just be gentle in how you approach topics or situations that may be difficult for them.

Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do when trying to support a partner with mental health issues. If you’re not emotionally healthy, it puts a strain on both of you. Find time for yourself to relax and de-stress, exercise and practice other forms of self-care. Doing this will strengthen your relationship in the long run.