Dating someone with mental health issues is not easy and being with a partner who simply does not understand or care about them is even harder. Dating someone who is going through these mental hardships requires a certain level of compassion void of condescension. It takes a certain level of understanding. The following list explains things to keep in mind when dating someone with mental health problems.
1. If your partner is in a bad mood, it is not necessarily because of you.
Now if you triggered something in your partner, yeah it’s your fault; but, those random mood swings where your partner just seems “out of it?” They are not your fault and you cannot get defensive about them. Instead, of completely shutting out or retaliating, delve deeper. Find the root cause of this sudden change in mood. Talk to your partner.
2. Be understanding.
It is not easy to live with these issues. Show some empathy for your partner and don’t be a judgmental jerk. Do not make their life (and subsequently their emotional and mental health) more difficult by being cold and unyielding.
3. Listen.
Chances are it wasn’t easy for your partner to tell you about their issues. Be there for them and listen. Listen to what they say, listen to how they feel. Just listen. This is true for all relationships but in a situation in which one partner has opened up about their mental woes, listening is a key element. You also don’t want to trigger your partner by doing or saying something you wouldn’t have if you had been listening. Don’t just hear your partner, listen to what they have to say.
4. Don’t ever use their illness against them.
I shouldn’t have to explain this. Don’t be a douchebag.
5. Do not invalidate their feelings.
Coming from experience, it can sometimes feel as if you are being a burden by expressing your emotions, so for your partner to voice their emotions to you is a big deal. For you to shut down their emotions completely is disrespectful and an asshole move to say the least! Let your partner know they are loved and that they are not a burden. Do not invalidate their feelings. Do not invalidate their emotions.
6. Above all, treat your partner the way you want to be treated.
Form a healthy relationship that also isn’t co-dependent. Bring the best out of your partner, and let them bring the best out of you. Don't play with their heart or their emotions. Love is a two-way street and relationships have to be worked for. They aren’t ever easy, but they’re (usually) worth it.
