Love and Mental Illness: How to Support Your Partner Through the Journey

Practical strategies for helping your loved one navigate their mental health struggles

Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash

As a young mentor to a Christian audience, I often find myself thinking about the unique challenges that people face in their relationships. One issue that I have seen firsthand is the difficulties that can arise when one partner has mental health issues.

I remember one couple in particular that I worked with, Sarah and David. They were both in their mid-twenties and deeply in love, but Sarah struggled with depression and anxiety.

At times, this made it difficult for her to be the supportive partner that David needed (putting a strain on their relationship).

As I sat with them and listened to their struggles, I couldn’t help but think of an allegory that I had heard many years before. It was the story of a tree with two branches, one strong and sturdy, the other weak and brittle.

When the winds of life blew, the strong branch was able to bend and sway, but the weak branch snapped and broke.

In the same way, a relationship is like a tree with two branches, each representing one partner. When one branch is strong and able to handle the storms of life, it can support the other branch and help it stay strong as well. But when one branch is weak, it puts the entire tree at risk.

As I shared this allegory with Sarah and David, I could see the light bulb moment in their eyes. They realized that in order for their relationship to thrive, they needed to work together to support one another and help each other grow.

But how exactly do you do that when one partner has mental health issues? Here are some tips that I shared with Sarah and David, and that I hope will be helpful for others in a similar situation.

1. Educate yourself. The first step in navigating a relationship with a partner who has mental health issues is to educate yourself about their condition. This might involve reading books, attending support groups, or talking to a therapist or counselor. By understanding more about your partner’s condition, you’ll be better equipped to support them and understand what they’re going through.
2. Practice good communication. Good communication is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important when one partner has mental health issues. Make sure to set aside time to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and needs, and be patient and understanding when your partner is struggling.
3. Take care of yourself. It’s important to remember that you are your own person, with your own needs and feelings. Make sure to set aside time for self-care and prioritize your own mental health. It’s okay to ask for help or take a break when you need it.
4. Seek support. It can be overwhelming to navigate a relationship with a partner who has mental health issues, and it’s important to have a support system in place. Consider joining a support group for loved ones of those with mental health issues, or seeking individual therapy for yourself.
5. Be patient and understanding. Living with mental health issues can be challenging, and it’s important to be patient and understanding with your partner. Try to be there for them in a supportive and non-judgmental way, and remember that they are doing the best they can.

Navigating a relationship with a partner who has mental health issues can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By educating yourself, practicing good communication, taking care of yourself, seeking support, and being patient and understanding, you can build a strong and healthy relationship that weathers any storm.