A mental illness can pose a unique set of challenges to any marriage or romantic relationship. Sometimes, the stress of navigating a mental illness can turn into a pattern where managing the mental health disorder becomes the central function of the relationship. Some mental health disorders may cause uneven highs and extreme lows, which can become a source of anxiety for both partners. Fear, frustration, loneliness, and empathy are among the other feelings you may experience as a result of your partner's mental illness. Read on to take a deeper look at how these feelings may affect you, and how looking for "a mental therapist near me" can help navigate the challenges caused by mental illnesses in a relationship.
Fear
When working through a partner's mental illness, they may close off or shut down communication altogether. Their physical and mental symptoms are bound to elicit a fearful reaction in you as you strive to return to a sense of closeness within your relationship. The fearful thoughts may revolve around questions about when the symptoms will pass or whether the intervention of a mental therapist may be necessary.
Frustration
Managing a partner's mental illness may also bring about feelings of frustration. You may become frustrated as your life deviates away from the course you may have envisioned. You may begin analyzing the difficult circumstances that you're facing and feel frustrated about wanting to enjoy life with your partner without external forces impeding this process.
Loneliness
As you strive to navigate your partner's mental illness, loneliness may begin to creep in. You may not feel comfortable sharing information about your partner's mental health with others, out of concerns for privacy or perceived stigmas associated with mental health disorders. This may lead you to feel as though you are being left alone to deal with your spouse's mental health disorder.
Empathy
Not all feelings that you experience as a result of your partner's mental illness will be wholly negative. As you watch your loved one struggling with their mental illness, you may also feel an appreciation of their will, determination, and strength to challenge the symptoms of their mental illness.
Searching: "Mental Therapist Near Me"? B'well Counseling Services is Here to Help
Navigating a partner's mental illness can be hard, and professional assistance may be required to help cope with the stress. Contact B'well Counseling Services today to learn more about our mental health services.
About B’well Counseling Services
B'well Counseling Services is a mental health therapy practice offering a full range of therapeutic services including online counseling in Towson, MD and the Greater Baltimore area. We believe in helping people rekindle their curiosity and reconnect to their core selves so that they can truly be well. We value wellness and connection over happiness because we understand that being able to experience the full range of human emotions and experiences is what helps us heal and grow. At B'well, we are dedicated to creating a space for anyone who has ever felt unwelcome because of their identity, orientation, or expression.