More than 900 million people (nearly 1 in every 8 people) in 2019 were living with a mental disorder such as anxiety and depressive disorders, which are the most common ones according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The other mental disorders are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, eating disorder, and neurodevelopmental disorder.
If your spouse, partner, friend, or any other loved one has a mental illness, it will impact your relationship. A healthy relationship relies on communication, trust, stability,, and empathy, which can be challenging to maintain with someone experiencing mental illness.
could not be possible with a person having a mental illness.
Walking away from a beloved family member in their time of need can have consequences. However, it is not a reason to risk your own mental and physical well-being due to their mental disorder. In fact, you should explore relevant options and a well-rounded approach before deciding to leave your loved one on their own.
Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph, who has helped adults, and couples live a healthy life by treating mental health conditions.
Dr. Betjoseph is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist trained in EMDR, specializing in sex addictions, couples therapy, and trauma.
This article discusses common signs of mental illness, six signs to consider before walking away from your loved one, and solutions to help your partner recover from mental illness.
Mental illness can impact a person's behavior and daily life, as well as affect the caregiver. The signs of mental illness can vary depending on the condition and require a proper diagnosis from a reputable mental health professional.
The following are the signs of mental illness mentioned in the book “50 Signs of Mental Illness” by James Whitney Hicks:
Note: A thorough diagnosis by a therapist is essential before identifying a mental health condition in an individual.
The following are 6 signs indicating the need to reassess your relationship with your mentally ill spouse or relative.
If the mentally ill person poses a threat to your safety, you should consider cutting ties with them, as a relationship with a history of abuse can jeopardize your well-being.
Physical abuse should never be present in a healthy relationship with your spouse or siblings. It is vital to set boundaries and seek help from a seasoned clinician to deal with any underlying mental health issues if violence is taking place.
The following negative behaviors are potential reasons to seek safety or leave the relationship:
Emotional abuse can have profound and lasting effects on your mental, emotional, and psychological well-being.
It's crucial to prioritize your emotional health and seriously consider whether remaining in an abusive situation is in your best interest.
Choosing to protect yourself from emotional abuse is not selfish; it's an act of self-preservation and self-respect. Your emotional well-being should be your top priority.
The long-term consequences of emotional abuse can be severe, often leading to diminished self-esteem, a fractured sense of identity, and increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Ask yourself: Can you truly thrive in a relationship with someone who consistently disrespects you?
It's important to recognize that you deserve better than to live with a person who invades your personal boundaries and resents your successes. Remember, a healthy relationship should support your growth, not stifle it.
Emotional and mental abuse can involve any of the following things:
Healthy relationships thrive on mutual empathy, which serves as the cornerstone of emotional support between you and your loved one.
Conversely, a lack of empathy can lead to feelings of isolation and emptiness. In such situations, it's crucial to reassess the relationship, considering whether to continue together or seek solutions through individual or family therapy.
Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Invia and find ways to repair your relationship and the mental health of your loved one.
You cannot change someone who is unwilling to change themselves. If your spouse resists your efforts to address their mental disorder through therapy or counseling, it may be time to set boundaries and/or consider walking away for a period of time to protect your own well-being.
They might be avoiding counseling due to fear. In such cases, try to educate them about the benefits. According to the American Psychiatric Association, recent research shows that over 75% of people report satisfaction with their counseling sessions.
Are you experiencing a sense of stagnation in your personal or professional life due to the time and energy devoted to caring for a mentally ill loved one?
This situation may be hindering your goals and career progress. It's important not to compromise your own well-being indefinitely.
Consider two paths forward: actively addressing their mental health issues or finding a way to distance yourself from the situation. Remember, a healthy relationship should be built on mutual support and benefit both parties involved.
If you suspect your spouse has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or exhibits strong narcissistic traits, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and manage the situation.
The following are the common 9 signs you may see in your narcissistic husband or wife.
1. Sense of Entitlement
2. Manipulative Behavior
3. Need for Admiration
4. Lack of Empathy
5. Arrogance
6. Grandiosity
7. Interpersonal Exploitativeness
8. Preoccupation with Success
9. Envy
It is very difficult to balance caring for a loved one with mental health issues and exercising self-care. However, there are successful ways to uphold both your relationship, as well as your loved one without undermining either of them.
Below are some ways to help repair boundaries, improve your relationship, and address mental health concerns:
Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC 44618.
As a Psychotherapist, and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, he provides Psychotherapy, or Counseling and Sex Addiction Treatment for Sexual Addiction and Pornography or Porn Addiction.
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