Your spouse is supposed to be your life-long partner. They should be the person that you can open up to about anything.
Of course, not all conversations are easy to have. If you were recently diagnosed with a mental health condition, revealing that to your partner can be a challenge.
Even if you trust and love your partner completely, it is natural to be afraid of them potentially reacting negatively to your revelation. Still, having that conversation is better than suffering in silence.
Come up with your own way to open up that conversation by following the tips we’ve laid out in this article.
Be honest while discussing your mental health
Being honest is a must if you want to discuss your mental health condition together with your partner. Whether you are hoping that your partner can take action on your behalf or you are just hoping to lean on them for now, you have to meet them halfway by speaking honestly about your condition.
Speak openly about your condition and how it affects your mental state. Describe the ways it is impacting your routine. Talk about what you are doing currently to treat your condition.
Those are just some of the things your partner should know if you want their help. Give them vital information so they can come up with their own ways to provide assistance.
You don’t have to take on this battle alone. Put your spouse in the best possible position to help so the two of you can tackle this ordeal more effectively.
Share why you want to have this conversation
Why do you want to talk about your mental health condition together with your partner? What kind of outcome are you hoping for by having that conversation?
Before you approach your spouse, you should define your goals for that discussion.
According to this study published by the National Library of Medicine, individuals with common mental illnesses are at greater risk of experiencing marital dissolution. Your goal could be related to that. Tell your spouse that you don’t want your mental health condition to put a significant strain on your marriage.
Defining your goals will allow you to speak with clarity. You can be more upfront about the support you want and what you do not want to receive. If you want to set boundaries related to your condition, now is the time to discuss them as well.
Listen to what your spouse has to say
Avoid developing tunnel vision when you discuss your mental health condition with your partner. Do not just look at the matter from your perspective. You must also consider how the news will affect your spouse.
Give them time to process your revelations and let them speak freely about the matter. Ask them to comment on your plans and goals so you can understand their perspective as well.
You may even pick up some incredible insight after speaking to your spouse.
Never forget that marriage is a partnership. Allow your partner to get involved in your treatment in a capacity they are comfortable with. You will quickly find that whatever support they provide is invaluable.
The burden of your mental health is not one you have to bear by yourself. Use the tips detailed here so you can discuss your condition with your spouse and seek support from them as you embark on the road to recovery.
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