Importance of Relationships During Mental Illness Relapse
Relationships during mental illness relapse can be critical to recovery. Many people with mental illness isolate and withdraw socially as symptoms of their disease. Though it may feel comforting to disconnect from the world and withdraw into one's own thoughts, reaching out to loved ones is a great way to reap the benefits of your relationships during a mental illness relapse.
The Role of Relationships During a Mental Illness Relapse
When you are in a relapse -- when your emotional state is deteriorating -- it is difficult to make a realistic assessment of your own condition. For example, if you are very depressed you may see yourself and everything around you in a negative fashion. If you are isolating along with your depressed mood, it can be difficult to stop the negative thoughts that often plague the disease. In instances like this, loved ones can provide you with emotional support, or even distraction, to alleviate your mood. A good friend can encourage you to leave the house or even accompany you on an errand so that you are more likely to complete the task. Other friends and family can bring you food and offer to clean your apartment when you are feeling lethargic. Simple assistance like this can prevent guilt that accompanies some mental illnesses and underscore the importance of relationships during mental illness relapse.
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APA Reference
Lloyd, T.
(2015, April 30). Importance of Relationships During Mental Illness Relapse, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 21 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/relationshipsandmentalillness/2015/04/importance-of-relationships-during-mental-illness-relapse
Author: Tracey Lloyd
This is a great article, but can i please ask "what if u don't have family or friends support u can count on" - (I don't have a partner, my mum has her own chronic illness & my two boys - 25 & 22 are living their own lives ) - i am very scared & desperate for support....
It's true what leanne above points out. What if u have no one to help you.
By posting ur post. Don't u think.it makes some people feel worse as they may not have anyone in their life.
Doh! Hence why their mental health can become worsened.
by posting this u are pointing out the obvious. I e isolation chosen or mot. Feeling alone chosen or not. Not everyone has that someone who is always there.......
Perhaps find a support group, meditation, engage in a hobby.... something that will put you in a better mental state, and hopefully, will lead to you finding a partner with understanding. Good luck, Leanne!
I have had BP for many years now and do not want to BURDEN others with my problems during an episode. There have been many episodes and hospitalization. Don’t want to be so needy and hard on the few close relationships that I do have.