Love, Marriage and Mental Illness

?erafeddin Sabuncuo?lu (1385-1468)

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That little part about in sickness and in health can become a huge part when the sickness involves the mind.

Know What You’re Dealing With

Irritability and anger are often signs of mental illness? Has there been a change in your sweetheart? Was the change all of a sudden or gradual? Was the gradual change over days, weeks, months or even years? Sometimes there are little things that have been going on that get worse. Taking notes to help you or your loved one remember is a good thing. Be a real support and be willing to walk with them through the challenge. Remember, being mentally ill is not a choice, they would rather not have it that way either.

Learn All You Can

“Knowledge is power” is a true statement. You can become an expert on whatever problem your loved one deals with. You may be the best expert they have. Doctors are busy and try as they might they can’t spend as much time as you would like them to on your loved one. You can make up some of that difference. You can ask questions and remind the doctor of things tried, outcomes, ideas you have learned about etc.

Get Support

One of the most difficult things about living with someone with a mental illness, especially if it is your spouse, is feeling drained or alone. Your extended family can be an excellent resource but in some families that is not the case. Many groups exist as supportĀ  for spouses and even children of people with mental illness. It takes everyone but happiness and mental illness can co-exist in a marriage.


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