Contents:
- Medical Video: 5 Tips for Dating with a Mental Illness
- Should you tell your partner if you have a mental problem?
- How to deliver it?
- 1. Find the right time
- 2. Plan first
- 3. Be patient
- 4. See the couple's reaction
Medical Video: 5 Tips for Dating with a Mental Illness
Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each can indeed strengthen the relationship that is being knitted. However, it is sometimes difficult when it comes to the disease that you have. Especially if the relationship has just been established. Then, how do you tell your partner that you have a psychiatric problem? Don't worry, follow the following tips.
Should you tell your partner if you have a mental problem?
There is still a lot of bad stigma about mental health in society. Understandably, people often equate mental illness with crazy (loss of mind or control of behavior). In fact, that mental problem is not that simple. People with this condition can live as normal if they get care and support from the people around them. That's why it's important to tell the closest person about your psychiatric problem.
"If you feel that your relationship is serious and your partner is someone who is likely to be able to provide support and affection, then you have to tell about your illness," said Michael Brustein, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist in New York City, such as quoted from the Self page.
Unfortunately, conveying this is not as easy as telling your food partner what you like and don't like. Especially if you've just been dating him.
How to deliver it?
The main key to your relationship and lasting partner is honesty and trust. Even though it's not easy, the following tips can help you to share your psychological problems with your partner, including:
1. Find the right time
It doesn't matter if your relationship is new for corn. When you feel comfortable and are committed to each other to undergo a serious relationship, discussing the illness at that time is the right time.
Psychologists argue that there is no time limit when you feel comfortable in a relationship and plan to go to a more serious level, such as marriage. In addition to the seriousness of the relationship, you also need to consider the readiness of yourself to talk about it.
2. Plan first
Not everyone understands how you struggle with this disease. That is why you have to plan ahead. You may need to write down what you have to talk about, about what the couple's questions are, and learn what things are related to your illness.
If you are nervous, you may need to practice speaking in front of a mirror or asking family members to be the other person. Remember, look for free time and a place that makes you feel comfortable. If you are still unsure, consult a doctor or psychologist to make it easier for you to tell this to your partner.
3. Be patient
Accepting the fact that couples have psychiatric illnesses must be difficult. There will definitely be many questions he wants to ask. So, explain your situation all this time, just like giving a seminar. You must patiently answer questions, even if you have to repeat the same thing.
Remember, the information you give your partner can help you later if symptoms appear. So, tell how this disease affects you, what the symptoms are, how to overcome them, and what treatments you take.
Telling your partner might make your treatment easier, but don't make your partner so depressed and damaging in the end. So you need to pay attention to yourself to maintain health and avoid triggers so that symptoms can decrease.
4. See the couple's reaction
Everyone is sure to expect the best results in every effort, including you. However, in this case you should not expect a certain reaction because it can make you disappointed if it is not as expected later. Instead of expecting too high, it's better to look at the couple's reaction at that time and read the situation with sensitivity.
The most important thing is to prepare yourself to explain and help your partner understand you. Remember, don't blame yourself if your partner reacts unnaturally. There is still a chance for you to think again whether the relationship is worth maintaining.
