How Mental Health Affects Relationships
Mental health is an important part of a person’s life, impacting emotions, thinking, learning, resilience, hope and self-esteem. It also determines how you handle stress, interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
Many people who suffer from mental illness may struggle to find the right support. This can lead to relationship issues that are difficult to overcome.
1. Lack of Communication
Whether you’re in a marriage or friendship, communication is the cornerstone of a relationship. Without it, your relationship can suffer a number of consequences.
The first way that lack of communication affects relationships is through the increase in conflict and argumentative behavior. Individuals may start to purposely get on each other’s nerves or not comply with rules or requests.
Eventually, this can lead to arguments that cannot be resolved without better communication skills. Consequently, this can have a negative effect on your mental health and well-being in general.
2. Loneliness
Loneliness is a common experience, but it can have significant consequences for your mental health. It can also have a negative effect on your relationships, as you can withdraw and isolate yourself from others.
Across all life stages, loneliness tended to be more common in people with poor mental health and with few close friends or supportive others. For some, feelings of isolation were particularly prevalent at key life events – such as leaving school or the workplace, where social networks changed or where bereavement occurred.
It’s important to try and avoid feeling lonely in your relationships, as this can lead to more serious issues. The best way to do this is to communicate regularly, show your partner that you care about them and seek help if necessary.
3. Insecurity
Insecurity is a common mental health condition that can be a sign of a deeper issue. It may result from a loss, crisis, or upset in one’s life.
A person who experiences significant insecurities might benefit from therapy. A therapist can help people identify their strengths and focus on them rather than on perceived failings.
If you’re feeling insecure about your relationship, it’s important to talk to a professional. A therapist can offer advice and guidance about how to improve your relationship.
Feeling insecure in your relationship isn’t always a bad thing, but it does make the situation more complicated. The best way to deal with insecurity is to communicate effectively.
4. Dependency
One of the biggest issues a person dealing with mental illness can face is dependence. As the addiction progresses, a person’s substance of choice takes priority over their relationships and other responsibilities.
They may become more distant, emotionally unavailable and withdrawn from their loved ones, and may blame everything on their addiction. They also tend to lie and be deceitful in order to get their next fix, leaving their loved ones in the dark about what’s going on.
This can lead to a lot of conflict between both partners, especially if both parties engage in enabling behaviors. It can even cause relationship, financial, and medical problems.
5. Isolation
Many people isolate themselves when they feel unsafe or when they suffer from anxiety. These feelings may come from trauma, PTSD symptoms, social anxiety, or depression.
It can also happen when a major life change occurs such as moving to a new city or country, or if you are in a toxic relationship. It is important to recognise the signs of isolation and seek support if you are struggling with it.
Studies have shown that loneliness and isolation can have long-term effects on mental health. It can cause depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, and accelerated cognitive decline.
