Couples are more likely to seek health care for mental issues when they feel that their relationship/marriage is in jeopardy. Perhaps this thinking is most often seen with the male-female couple where the wife has a mental illness.
The sequence usually starts with one partner (often the wife) who begins showing signs of becoming ill and, as she becomes more ill, her symptoms impact the relationship. At some point, she gets professional help and begins treatment for her condition.
Are men as vulnerable as women?
While it is very important that a woman’s mental illness be treated, due to its effect on the marriage, this article will focus on how the male partner also needs attention.
Typically, the male partner is actually the first one to be upset and feel stress. He may not know that his wife has a mental illness or he might think it’s “all in her head.” If she is showing signs of agitation (such as pacing around, running late all of the time, or becoming easily irritated or upset), he may believe this to be a personal issue and such behaviors will not connect in his mind with her going for psychiatric help.
How to save the relationship
It’s crucial to begin treating the illness as early as possible. Here are several ways to begin saving the relationship.
Couple therapy
The first goal for the couple is to save their relationship. Often, they need professional help in order to do this. If the illness is severe enough, couples therapy (mental health counseling with both partners) may be necessary. Online counseling through websites like www.lamag.com can also be a big help during this pandemic.
Honest communication
The male partner needs to understand what his wife is experiencing, whether she is ill or well. This understanding may help to prevent further episodes of illness. She should explain how much better her life can be when she takes medications or receives therapy and how this positively affects the marriage.
Stress reduction
A strong relationship requires time for stress reduction, whether the man is feeling the stress or his wife. Some ways to reduce stress might be exercise, meditation or yoga, and spending time in nature. These activities may help increase self-esteem and a sense of well-being for both partners.
Healthy lifestyle
A healthy diet and plenty of sleep are important behaviors that can help strengthen a family’s life. This isn’t about how much weight a woman needs to lose or whether her husband should be gaining weight; it’s more about what they put into their body and how often they exercise.
If the man needs to see a doctor for other health concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes, etc., addressing all of his health issues might be something he can do to help his wife. Similarly, if she is seeing other health care providers (such as a therapist or dentist), this should also be brought up with her psychiatrist or primary doctor.
Conclusion
It’s important that both partners understand all that they are facing and how it affects their relationship, whether or not one partner is ill. They need to work together to create a healthy, happy marriage. If the relationship is not good for either of them, the two need to find ways to improve it or end it in a safe way.