Talking about mental health in romantic relationships?

[Thebluepineapple]

Does anyone have tips and tricks about starting the conversation about mental health with loved ones? I chicken out every time i am asked if i am ok....

[Aaronsis]

Hi Thebluepineapple

It is so wonderful that you are in the mindset to want to have the conversation with your loved ones about your mental health, that is fantastic, welcome to the forum too and congrats on your first post.

There are so many wonderful read on this and things that you can say when people ask "r u ok"...

https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-deal-with-people-knowing-about-your-mental-illness

Another suggestion that I have is perhaps to seek the help of a cousellor and to ask them for some guidance on this as they will have some wonderful ideas and will even be able to role play it with you so that you can increase your level of comfort in having these conversations.

It is so very brave of you and so wonderful that you are wanting to share your mental health with loved ones, it is so important and this empowers them too to be able to support you.

Sorry I have not been very helpful today but we are here to chat and support you.

Hugs

AS

[Thebluepineapple]

Hey,

Thankyou so much for this!

xx Pineapple

[Aaronsis]

My pleasure and all the very best to you , you are so brave!

CHeers

AS

[Thebluepineapple]

🙂

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Thebluepineapple,

Aaronsis has already offered such a warm welcome and great support that I feel like my post won't compare!

Can I ask you, is this someone that you've known for a while? Do they know about your mental health in general? I'm asking because I think conversations are quite different depending on your relationship with them already.

For me personally, I like to do tidbits (although that doesn't always work out smoothly!). Saying something like "I'm having a really tough day today" or "Today's a bad day". Is this something you'd feel comfortable sharing or starting with?

Aaronsis mentioned role playing with a counsellor, but if this isn't an option, this is also something you can try beforehand, like practicing what you'd like to say, or writing things down. I know once I wrote a text to my boyfriend who was just in the next room because it felt too tough to say it out loud! Honestly - whatever works for you.

I hope this is somewhat helpful! I don't think that there's an easy answer to this one, but just a bit of trial and error and little steps outside your comfort zone until it's just second nature.

RT 🙂

[Thebluepineapple]

Hi romantic_thi3f,

Thankyou for this my bf knows a little bit about my ptsd but not heaps. One of my biggest concerns is him not understanding, we have been in our relationship for a little over two months. Your response was pretty helpful thankyou!