It can be very difficult to see a partner, a friend even, struggling with their mental help. They fall into a slump and that can strain the relationship. For anyone in a long-term relationship, a mental health slump will likely occur at some point. In fact, about 50% of Americans will experience some form of mental illness at some point during their lifetime. 

How do you approach a partner who is experiencing a mental health slump? There are supportive strategies that can be highly beneficial for both of you. Just remember that you are there for your partner, even in times of hardship. Continue reading to learn how you can help support a partner who is struggling.

No Toxic Positivity Allowed

There is no need to be an ever-positive ray of sunshine when it comes time to help a partner in need. There is no need to say things like, “Be positive!” Don’t remind them how much they have to be grateful for because that will usually cause them to feel shame. It may also make them feel as though you misunderstand their situation. 

Do Not Ignore The Situation

Ignoring something does not make it go away. The last thing you want to do is bottle up feelings and hope for the best, and you shouldn’t want that for your partner either. Do not ignore your partner’s mental health slump because that will only cause them to feel more isolated. Begin the dialogue and proceed in a gentle way.

Begin The Conversation Sensitively

Ideally, you should approach this conversation with a sensitive and delicate touch. Your partner is in a fragile state, so begin with a phrase like, “I’ve been thinking about you and I’m curious how you are doing.” You can also say something like, “I care about you and want to be here for you.” Ask if there is a special way that you can support them, as you may not be aware of how to do that.

Be Clear On How They Want To Be Supported

Everyone requires their own solutions for their given difficulties. Some people may choose or not choose to accept support. That is why it is paramount for you to get clear about your partner’s needs. Perhaps they need you to just be there and be silent, or you take walks together. Understanding and respecting your partner during their mental health challenges will only strengthen the connection between both of you. Plus, your relationship will remain in better standing as you support them, while also allowing them to experience their own symptoms. 

Don’t Give Unsolicited Advice

It is almost human nature to offer advice or suggestions when someone is in need. There is a time and place for advice, though. Sometimes, the best advice you can give is nothing at all. Oftentimes, your presence and quiet time is appreciated above all else. Just be there for your partner, show them respect, and understand that they are going through a mental health slump. Your relationship will likely become stronger when you offer your support and allow them to work through their depressive symptoms.

Validate Your Partner

People usually crave validation and safety in times of hardship. They want to feel love and there is nothing wrong with them wanting that. Even if your partner feels shame, confusion, or anger, use phrases like, “I can see that you are struggling and how much effort you’re putting forth.” You can also say something like, “What you are saying and feeling is understandable.”

Make Plans To Do Something Fun

It is very common for mental health issues to tell the person lies. For example, a person’s mind may tell them that they will not enjoy an activity that usually invites joy. You should suggest and plan activities that can help shift your partner’s energy. If they are really against the suggestion, though, do not force them to engage. Your suggestions can be very low-maintenance, such as going for a walk or hike, playing a board game, or getting a massage. 

Know Your Own Limits

For your own mental health, make sure that you know where the line in the sand is. There is a distinction between being a partner and being your partner’s therapist. You can always encourage your partner to find support, be that in the form of a therapist, life coach, or support group. That doesn’t mean that you abandon your partner; rather, it just reaffirms the boundaries in your relationship. You are not your partner’s sole emotional caretaker!

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People acquire strength in what they overcome. Trials and tribulations do not necessarily shape character; these things simply demonstrate character. Adversity acts as a litmus test to reveal what is already there. From the moment of birth, one’s character is constantly being defined and established. As wonderful as success is, it rarely offers the opportunity to reveal one’s strength of character. Such moments arise only from negative situations.

Character is not shaped, but revealed-revealed through overcoming trials, tribulations, ordeals, challenges, and problems with a sound mind.

Morbid as it may sound, it is very true that what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. Hardship gives us the opportunity to learn valuable things about ourselves through undergoing mental, emotional, and physical trials. Such lessons can be invaluable and will frequently help us later in our lives.

Moreover, hard times do more than merely reveal one’s character. They help us become more aware of our personal ethics, morals, and scruples, as well as what we stand for in our life. It’s easy to have theoretical principles. On the other hand, maintaining one’s principles during times of adversity demonstrates great strength of character.

For many people, overcoming obstacles strengthens faith in many different things. Such things include religion, other people, themselves (in terms of abilities, talents, character), as well as solutions (figuring out how to solve or overcome the obstacle). As the obstacles we face become heavier and heavier, and with each one we successfully overcome, our faith in such things gets stronger and stronger. The increase in faith is usually in proportion to the intensity of the obstacle, challenge, trial, tribulation, or problem; so, the bigger the problem, the stronger the faith on the other side after emerging victoriously.

People with positive thinking would argue that we experience problems for two reasons: to overcome them, and to learn from them.

There is no trial, tribulation, challenge, obstacle, or problem too powerful or insurmountable for any of us to overcome if we make up our minds to tackle it head on. With a sound and sober mind, patience, and the courage to keep trying, we become invincible. Try it and see! Believe in yourself, and you can accomplish many great and wonderful things. You are much stronger than even the toughest and most complex obstacle.

If we stay focused on the prize, remain steadfast in our trust and belief in ourselves, decide to persevere and be persistent, remain optimistic, and embrace a positive mental attitude, we are bound to come out on the other side of any trial, tribulation, obstacle, challenge, or problem in one piece, stronger in faith, and victorious.

Every problem has an answer. That answer may not always be simple or easy to find. It may take days or weeks of thinking and consideration. You may need to ask for help or advice from others, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you are in school, many institutions offer counseling services for free or very reasonable rates. If you ask for help from your friends or family, the odds are that someone has already endured your situation or at least a similar one and will be able to offer good insight.

The most important part is to remain positive and keep trying. Most major problems were not solved in a day, or even a week. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break. Go for a run or take a long shower. Try to relax and don’t push yourself too much.

Answers can also be found in surprising places. Consider going to the library and cruising through the shelves. You never know where inspiration will strike. And if nothing else, the library is filled with books of motivational stories and about people who have overcome incredible obstacles. If Franklin Roosevelt could be stricken by polio and still rise to the presidency, surely you too can overcome your personal obstacle. Or consider Helen Keller, who managed to communicate with people and the world despite being both blind and mute.

The world is filled with amazing people, and you are one of them! Challenges are not to be feared or even merely endured, but rather triumphed over! Be confident and trust in your abilities. When given a burden, we all have the choice to sink or rise to the occasion. Be strong and embrace the challenge! After conquering the challenge, you will feel strong and invincible. Adversity has not conquered you, for you are only stronger for what you have experienced. The world is yours!

Thank you for reading!

This article is compliments of Dherbs.com

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