According to the US Centers for Disease Control, one in five Americans has a mental disorder at any given time, and over 50% will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.
Meanwhile, the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that 29% Malaysian adults had a mental health disorder, while the 2019 edition showed that 2.3% of Malaysian adults suffered from depression.
This prevalence underscores the importance of understanding how mental health influences familial and romantic relationships. Strong connections are crucial during hard times, which is why managing relationships should be part of the equation when dealing with mental health.
Here are five ways poor mental health can affect the people who matter the most to you.
Job loss
Losing a job is significant for anyone: it’s not just about losing a paycheck, it’s also about the disappearance of daily structure and a reason to get out of bed.
It can mean the end of a career, which removes one’s drive to persevere through tough times. And perhaps most crushing is the loss of status.
Job loss could lead to depression, or depression could be caused by job loss. Either way, adjusting to unemployment can be extremely difficult – whether it was merely a way to pay the bills or an integral part of one’s identity.
The affected person might spend more time in bed, withdraw socially and not want to leave the house, and/or lash out at those around them. This could lead to a strain on relationships with family members or loved ones who live with them.
Intimacy problems
Mental illness can lead to a decreased interest in sex, either because of the condition itself or its treatment, e.g. decreased libido due to antidepressants.
Those with mental health conditions may feel inadequate, experience performance anxiety, and have low self-esteem. This could reduce bonding opportunities for both partners, resulting in unmet needs.
Guilt, shame, resentment
Having a mental illness is tough, and the stigma around it adds more stress for both partners. The person with the illness might feel ashamed or guilty, often hiding their symptoms or not seeking help.
Meanwhile, their partner might feel confused or frustrated because they can’t help.
Sometimes, the person with depression or anxiety may struggle to do household chores, be emotionally present, keep a job, or want to socialise. These issues can strain the relationship, leading to feelings of disappointment, rejection and disconnect.
Codependent behaviour
Codependency is a detrimental relationship dynamic where one partner unhealthily supports the other’s poor mental health, addiction, or ineffective coping mechanisms. This partner may find their self-worth in how much they are “needed”, or in their ability to “care for” their loved one who is suffering.
Fatigue
Even with the best intentions, both partners in a relationship can become worn down if one is dealing with mental health issues. It can be exhausting having to manage such a condition or support a partner through some of their toughest times.
Both individuals need to rest and take breaks, and occasionally treat themselves and each other. Understanding what helps each partner recharge and feel appreciated can significantly nurture and strengthen the relationship.
Read more articles by Dennis Relojo-Howell here.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on X (Twitter) at dennisr_howell.