How Mental Health Conditions Can Impact Your Relationships
Building a long-lasting relationship is hard, mental health issues of your partner or loved one can make things harder. As per recent data, one in five Americans suffer from some form of mental illness however only half the people seek treatment. Even though awareness is rapidly growing about mental health conditions patients often feel stigmatised to discuss the issue with family or loved ones fearing judgement and rejection. It is hence important to look for symptoms and plan a course of treatment as early as possible.
What are the symptoms of a mental health condition?
Recognising the early signs of a mental health condition can help you address the problem and plan action before the situation worsens. If a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms below they could be suffering from a mental illness;
- Changes in sleep patterns and or appetite
- Lack of hygiene or personal care
- Extreme mood swings, getting angry or irritated during conversations
- Withdrawal or avoidance of social interactions
- Lack of enthusiasm for daily activities that they used to enjoy previously
- Any unusual behaviour like nervousness, lack of logical thinking
How mental health conditions can affect your relationships?
Mental illness can often take a toll on marriage, romantic, or family relationships, distancing the person affected by it even further.
According to a study people suffering from common mental illnesses like depression or anxiety are more likely to get a divorce. The mental health of a partner can adversely affect your relationship and lead to resentment between partners. A lot of mental illnesses like major depressive disorder can lead to a fall in libido, which can affect your sexual life. Depressive symptoms can also lead to avoidance of social activities, including seeking a romantic relationship and going on dates, further aggravating one’s mental health, and leading to feelings of rejection and loneliness.
Mental illnesses also affect familial relationships, where one might distance themselves from their children, family or parents or get angry or irritated at family members. This can also impact the mental health of other family members. Poor mental health of parents can impact the overall development and health of children, disrupting their ability to regulate their emotions better.
Mental illnesses also disrupt your social life as patients tend to isolate themselves from friends who can provide essential emotional support in times of need.
How to initiate the conversation about mental health?
It is not easy to discuss mental health issues with a loved one, often people suffering from any kind of mental illness wish to avoid ‘having the talk’, it is hence advisable to give them their space and have the conversation when they are ready.
- Start by letting the person know that you care about them. Avoid directing statements at their behaviour using an accusatory tone, instead let them know how the changes in their behaviour impact you or the family.
- Allow them to share their point of view or elaborate on their condition, and listen patiently with empathy, without judgment.
- You can suggest talking to a mental healthcare provider like Ohio Psychiatry Services, as a specialist is better equipped to understand their concerns and suggest the most suitable course of treatment.
- Ask them how you can support them better. Let them know that you are available to provide emotional help and support.
- In case you feel the concerned person is suicidal, or having thoughts of self-harm inform the emergency services promptly.
What treatment options are available for someone suffering from a mental health condition?
Specialised mental healthcare providers like Ohio Psychiatry Services provide an array of treatment options that are customised for an individual’s symptoms and needs. After an initial evaluation, a specialist might suggest counselling and other treatment options. In the case of treatment-resistant depression or anxiety revolutionary treatments like TMS and Esketamine Spravato™ are also available. Book a session at our Lancaster or Ohio centre today to start the journey towards a happier tomorrow.