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.
There are many reasons why living with someone who has a mental illness can be challenging and stressful. You may struggle to depend on them to take care of their responsibilities, for instance, like paying their portion of the rent. It can cause emotional upheaval and increased stress. You might also feel isolated and alone since it can sometimes seem like no one else really understands what you're going through.
If their behavior is unhealthy or unpredictable, you might wonder how to help them while still protecting yourself. This can leave you thinking, "Help! Their mental illness is killing me! The good news is that living with someone with a mental health disorder doesn't have to degrade your relationship. Despite the challenges you may face, there are strategies you can use to deal with the stress while still helping them manage their symptoms.
