Happiful June 2020
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RELATIONSHIPS<br />
The Uplift<br />
Discussing MH<br />
brings couples<br />
closer together<br />
You’ve got this ‘dating thing’ down, you’ve<br />
had the ‘what are we’ conversation, and<br />
you know the names of their childhood<br />
pets – but when’s the right time to talk<br />
about your mental health? According to a<br />
study from Superdrug Online Doctor, the<br />
sooner the better, as having a deep and<br />
meaningful chat about our mental health<br />
could help us bond.<br />
That said, opening up about mental<br />
illness isn’t easy, and the study found that<br />
people wait an average of nine months<br />
before having the big talk. But we might<br />
be holding back without good reason, as<br />
83% of respondents said their partner<br />
reacted positively when they did discuss<br />
it, with a further 74% revealing that the<br />
communication actually brought them<br />
closer together.<br />
Sharing the strategies which helped<br />
them to deal with mental health<br />
conditions in relationships, respondents<br />
said the most important things were<br />
communication, mental health<br />
education, and medication management.<br />
Speaking about the results of the study,<br />
Superdrug Online Doctor said: “For<br />
individuals living with mental health<br />
challenges, our results offer a hopeful<br />
view of what is possible with a loving<br />
partner. Although disclosing a mental<br />
health disorder to a significant other can<br />
require true courage, the majority who<br />
do so receive a positive response.”<br />
So, could love really conquer all? Head<br />
to p35 for more insight on how to open<br />
up about our mental wellbeing to loved<br />
ones.<br />
Writing | Kat Nicholls
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