Supporting partner with mood disorder and psychosis

[Mousy]

Hi all,
My partner has been diagnosed with mood disorder with psychosis and regularly accuses me of cheating on him. This leads to a heated argument and he is awaiting treatment for this condition. Any advice on how to manage this situation, what do I do? Denying cheating only makes my partner more upset and I am not sure how many more arguments I can take. We have been together many years and as we get older together this has become worse and more frequent. Please if anyone has any advice about managing psychosis and where I can seek support I would appreciate your help.
Thank you

[Aaronsis]

Hi Mousy

I am so glad you have reached out for some support here, and that your partner is going to be getting some support and help at this time. I am so sorry this illness is putting such pressure and strain on your relationship, that is really hard.

You mentioned that he accuses you of cheating and that it turns to a heated argument, can I ask at this time that instead of engaging in the argument you calmly, yeah easier said that done, ask him if he can explain to you what behaviors you are doing that would indicate you are cheating, when he replies once again try hard not to engage in argument and self defense as you know from the past it ends in a fight. Let him speak, let him say what the things are, they are probably going to sound totally unreasonable to you but hear what he has to say. Keep in mind he is mentally unwell so things he sees and says may not be rational or true, as is his accusations, but let him speak. Ask him what you can do to ensure him that you are not cheating on him, what things will help him through this time, that you are on his team and you love him.

I have no idea how difficult it is to support a loved one through this illness and to see the person you love suffer like this, my heart goes out to you. Can I ask if you are getting some support too, it is so very important for you to take care of your mental health too Mousy.

I am no professional so I am not sure if what I have said helps, but we are here for you, so huge hugs to you.

Hope to chat some more.

Hugs

AS

[Mousy]

Thank you so much for your understanding and advice. I will try this strategy next time. I have tried many different ideas over the years but have never asked what I can do help him through the difficult times. I appreciate your help and advice.

I am not seeking help at the moment, not sure where to start. I have no friends or family to talk to and not sure where I would start. I guess typing on here has been my first step.

Thank you so much for caring and for all the hugs.

[Aaronsis]

Great to chat some more to you Mousy and I am happy that you will try this strategy, afterall he is the only one who can tell you why he is feeling as though you are cheating on him, so asking him makes sense.

I wish you all the very best for this conversation and we are here to chat anytime, I would love to know how it all goes for you, I think the key here is calm too....keeping calm so as you are not pressing "play" on that tape of every fight you have....over and over...hopefully this works for you.

Hugs

AS

[Aaronsis]

..sorry I forgot to mention some help for you.

The first place I would think would perhaps be a counsellor and one who specialized in mental illness, that might be a great start, you could go to your GP and chat with them and they will have some advice too.

There is a great website called SANE:

https://www.sane.org/information-stories/facts-and-guides/psychosis

There is a section on family and friends and getting support for you.

all the best to you Mousy

AS