The impact of mental illness on marital relationships
Mental illness can pose many different challenges in a person’s life. It can also be a struggle for loved ones.
If you’re in a relationship with someone who suffers from mental illness, it can be extremely difficult. Some examples of mental illness that could impact your marriage include depression, bipolar disorder and narcissism. Of course, each of these showcase an array of symptoms, so the first step is to understand the disorder your partner is experiencing. Beyond the emotional challenges, it can be helpful to understand your rights from a legal perspective too, in case the marriage breaks down.
Understanding the strain on relationships
Being in a relationship with someone suffering from mental illness can be emotionally draining. It can cause you to feel emotionally distant from one another and make you feel frustrated or helpless. It could impact your own mental health and that of your children and other family members if it gets out of hand.
If you’re encountering continuous patterns of behaviours that don’t improve over time, this could be a sign that you need to seek help.
Coping strategies for couples
Taking time to understand your partner’s mental illness means you can tailor the way you approach the relationship. Knowing what their triggers are and spotting symptoms can help you prepare yourself. Saying this, mental illness isn’t always easy to identify. Try to have open and honest conversations with them so that it doesn’t become a subject that the two of you avoid.
Beyond this, taking care of yourself is essential. This means maintaining a good routine with a good amount of exercise, a balanced diet and plenty of sleep. Be sure to do things that bring you joy, whether that’s through hobbies or seeing loved ones.
Seeking professional help might be the way forward. This could involve seeking therapy or counselling, both individually and as a couple. Sometimes, adding a neutral third party into the mix can help both couples see a way forward. Professionals can offer practical tips around communication and setting boundaries with one another. Being able to speak openly – and in a safe space – can make a huge difference. They can provide you with the tools to have these types of conversations in your own home too.
Leaning into strong support networks can be beneficial. This includes friends and family who can help you feel more stable. Remember, if your partner’s mental illness causes you to feel unsafe due to emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse, this requires more urgent action.
Legal and practical considerations
Sadly, some cases result in a breakdown of the marriage and eventual divorce. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s helpful to seek legal advice. Consulting divorce solicitors means you can receive guidance and understand your rights so you feel more empowered during the process and walk away with a fair resolution. It’s also important to remember that none of this is your fault.
Sometimes mental illness can impact the way people communicate, which can be tricky when serious conversations need to be had. You might feel concerned about custody arrangements, for example. Depending on the circumstances, the court may request a report from a psychologist or psychiatrist to explore allegations of mental illness. This can then be used to issue a child arrangements order that reflects the child’s best interests.
You technically have the right to file for divorce even if your partner lacks mental capacity and cannot agree to a divorce. In this instance, they will need a litigation friend to act on their behalf.
If you require legal advice from a specialist family law solicitor, contact a reputable firm today.
