Dating advice for someone with mental illness

My experience dating with a mental health condition

Marni Feuerman is a psychotherapist in private practice who has been helping couples with marital issues for more than 27 years. Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. When you live with someone with a mental illness, it can be hard on your relationship. During particularly hard moments, you might even find yourself thinking, "Their mental illness is killing me! Managing their mental health disorder may become the center of your interaction, changing the dynamics of your relationship. Their mental illness symptoms can also increase your feelings of stress. Living with someone who has a mental illness can be challenging, but understanding their condition and knowing how to cope can reduce your stress. You can be supportive, but having boundaries and practicing good self-care is essential. Don't try to be their therapist leave that to the professionals ; reach out for help if needed.

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Explore next steps to improve your mental health. Get help for relationship issues. Thriveworks offers flexible and convenient therapy services, available both online and in-person nationwide, with psychiatry services accessible in select states. Our clinical and medical experts , ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. This ensures we provide valuable resources to our readers. Read our editorial policy for more information.

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Caring for a relative who lives with mental illness can be rewarding. But it can be challenging too. And if you are in a relationship, it can have an impact on you and your partner.

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How to navigate dating if you struggle with your mental health

According to the National Institute of Mental Health , nearly one in five people suffer from a mental illness. Due to the stigma that often surrounds the topic, many individuals who suffer from it may find it harder to date and develop meaningful relationships. When they find someone, it is important that he or she is understanding and is willing to build a good relationship, in spite of the condition. Dating someone with mental health issues may be challenging, but it is possible to construct a healthy relationship with a solid effort and the proper boundaries. Following the best guidelines can ensure that both individuals can find the greatest joy and happiness possible while in a romantic relationship.

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