World Mental Health Day: Supporting your partner's mental health
What's the story
If you notice some unwelcome changes in your partner's behavior, they may be going through a tough time. Some people keep things to themselves and suffer in silence. On World Mental Health Day, let's explore how to identify signs of your partner's declining mental health. Relationship coach Jeevika Sharma provides insights on recognizing these signs and offers guidance on how you can provide support.
Health
Correlation of mental health and physical health
If you notice your partner experiencing excessive sleep, body aches, and headaches, it's a clear indication of mental exhaustion. Diminished mental well-being can weaken a person physically, leading to persistent health problems. "Mental health decline can disrupt bodily functions, resulting in prolonged health issues. If your partner is grappling with these symptoms, it may be a sign of deteriorating mental health," says Sharma.
Loss of interest
They avoid confrontation with you
When your partner avoids arguments and readily agrees with your wishes, it's a sign they're exhausted from frequent fights. Ignoring you and withdrawing into their thoughts can also signal mental fatigue. "Drained mental health may lead them to seek solitude, as they lack the energy or inclination to engage, preferring peace over conflict in their quest for emotional well-being," explains Sharma.
Laziness
They prefer staying home
When your partner chooses to stay home continuously instead of going out, it may be a sign of declining mental health. Mental exhaustion can confine them indoors and lead to persistent lethargy, notes the relationship coach. Reduced involvement in professional and household responsibilities can also indicate their mental health deterioration, as they often lack the energy to actively participate in various aspects of life.
Decision
Persistent irritability and frustration; aversion to decision-making
Declining mental health often impairs decision-making, prompting individuals to delegate choices to others. If your partner frequently transfers decision-making responsibilities to you, it's likely a sign of mental fatigue. Depleted mental well-being can result in persistent irritability and frustration, manifested in their behavior as well. If your partner consistently appears agitated and exasperated, it may indicate mental exhaustion.
Help
Here's what you can do to help
Have an open conversation with your partner to understand their concerns and explore ways to ease their mental stress. Suggest practices like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to uplift their mood. Sometimes, we may unknowingly contribute to their distress. In such cases, introspection can lead to considering a break and allowing them space. If these approaches prove ineffective, seeking professional counseling may be necessary.