“We’re a nation of happy pictures but sad lives.” -Unknown
More than 50% of adults will experience mental illness at least once in their lifetime. Mental health illness affects the quality of a person’s life.
People who have a mental health illness may be hesitant to share this with their partner. The continued stigma around mental illness, shame, and ridicule are amongst the reasons many people hide their mental health issues.
Depression is real, it doesn’t discriminate, and it doesn’t a have look. Emotional safety is important in all types of relationships. Let’s be that safe space to the people around us.
— A FINE BrotherInLaw (@9xMartin) April 12, 2021
According to Psychology Today having a partner with a mental health condition can be navigated, if both partners are willing to cope and communicate through the challenges.
Mental health and self-care are equally important. Whether in a relationship or not, people should feel empowered to heal from past trauma and find healthy ways to nurture themselves first and foremost.
Having healthy boundaries with your partner allows partners to feel more positive and comfortable around each other.
The stigma of seeking professional help for mental health illnesses include:
- Feelings of shame
- Isolation
- Reluctance to ask for help or to get treatment
- Lack of understanding by family and friends
- Self-doubt, believing you will never overcome the illness
Also read: 16 conversations on mental health – you are not alone
The language is so difficult to navigate. Talking about the anxiety and depression I feel is more socially acceptable than telling people I have bipolar and borderline personality disorder. The language of disability scares people even though the diagnosis opened doors for me.
— Ange Fitzpatrick ?️? ????????? (@angefitzpatrick) April 12, 2021
Most people choose to not disclose their mental and emotional state to their partners for fear of seeming weak or needy.
It takes a lot for people who are struggling internally to open up and let someone in. So, it’s important to be mindful of what you say when your partner expresses their emotions to you.
Below is a list of things not to say:
Feature image:Polina Zimmerman from Pexels


