Tips for Building a Healthy Relationship with a Partner Experiencing Mental Health Issues
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Romantic relationships with a partner who has a mental health condition require open communication, understanding and healthy boundaries, enabling both people to support one another without neglecting their own needs.
Holistic sexuality educator and relationship and intimacy coach Lauren Elise Rogers said a healthy relationship should be built on personal responsibility and support from the people around the couple.
Citing Psychology Today on Sunday (18 October), Rogers explained that couples should not make their romantic relationship their only source of emotional support. Family, friends, communities and professionals can all form part of a support system that helps someone face mental health challenges.
In her view, partners should maintain routines that support their individual wellbeing, such as exercising, attending therapy, pursuing hobbies and eating well. At the beginning of a relationship, they can agree how often to meet so that these activities can continue.
Rogers also stressed the importance of understanding each person’s limits. Supporting a partner is different from taking full responsibility for their mental health condition.
If a partner needs professional help, someone can offer support in accessing appropriate services without positioning themselves as a therapist or healer. Both people should also discuss their needs, expectations and boundaries openly.
For someone with a mental health condition, taking responsibility for their own care remains an important part of the relationship. Their partner, meanwhile, can offer support without setting aside their own needs.
Rogers said long-term relationships can thrive when both people have support outside the relationship, respect each other’s independence and are willing to work through problems together.
She emphasised that a healthy relationship does not require either person to be perfect. Honesty, trust and a willingness to understand differences are essential to building lasting closeness.