Supporting a partner who is struggling with a mental illness can be a difficult and emotional journey. It's crucial to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and understanding. Mental health struggles can impact not only the individual but also their relationships, including their romantic relationships.
If your partner is dealing with a mental illness, here are some ways you can support them through their difficult time:

  1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about your partner's mental illness. Understanding their condition, symptoms, and triggers can help you provide better support and communicate effectively.
  2. Practice Active Listening: Be there for your partner and listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Create a safe space for them to express themselves openly and honestly.
  3. Encourage Treatment: Encourage your partner to seek professional help from therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. Offer to accompany them to appointments or provide assistance in finding the right resources.
  4. Be Patient and Understanding: Remember that mental illness can be unpredictable, and recovery is not always linear. Be patient with your partner and show understanding during their tough times.
  5. Take Care of Yourself: Supporting a partner through mental illness can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize your own mental health and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed.
  6. Practice Self-Compassion: It's essential to show yourself kindness and understanding as well. Dealing with a partner's mental illness can be tough, so give yourself grace during this difficult time.
  7. Communication is Key: Keep the lines of communication open with your partner. Check in regularly, ask how they are feeling, and discuss any concerns or challenges that arise.
  8. Set Personal Boundaries: When you are actively seeing a person with a mental illness you may be inclined to show a bit more empathy than you necessarily should. Make sure to set personal boundaries around things like alone time, your belongings, and even communication and what may be acceptable if you get in a disagreement. 
  9. Try not to place them in the “diagnosis” box: Although your partner may actually have a diagnosis, it’s important to make it a priority to not subconsciously place them in a general box and group them in with everyone else that you may be hearing about in the education you are learning about their diagnosis. Every person is completely different and your partner, even with a diagnosis may not adhere to the symptoms of their diagnosis. It’s also not fair for you to presume that you know what they are feeling just because you have educated yourself. Make sure you take into account what they say their feelings are and to validate them. 
  10. Be Honest: When you are in a relationship with someone who has a mental illness it’s important that you be honest with them about what you are thinking and feeling. It’s equally important to be honest with yourself when deciding how to handle things or if you are even able to. 

Remember, supporting a partner through mental illness is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and love. By being present, understanding, and compassionate, and honest you can make a positive impact on your partner's mental health and strengthen your relationship in the process.
Together, you can navigate through the challenges of mental illness and emerge as a strong, and happy couple.