How does a loving, healthy relationship benefit mental health?

One of the most important things in life is relationships. Those who have strong social connections experience greater happiness, improved physical health, longer lifespans, and fewer mental health issues compared to those who do not. There are no requirements for romantic relationships to be advantageous; however, any close, supportive relationship is beneficial for our well-being. Nevertheless, having a stable intimate relationship offers even greater benefits in terms of developing feelings of self-worth, trust, and empathy, as well as reducing rates of anxiety and depression.

• Other mental health benefits of healthy relationships include;
• Happiness. We are simply happier when we feel safe and loved.
• Self-Worth.  Ideally everyone should have a strong, positive sense of self-worth. However, when you are loved by someone else, it helps to solidify the fact that you matter, that you are important, and that should anything ever happen to you, it would break your loved one’s heart.
• Healthier Habits. You are more likely to adopt and adhere to healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy foods, exercising, and avoiding substance abuse. Though these are physical health habits, they also promote good mental health.
• Increased Resilience. When you have a partner to love and support you through hard times, it can help you become more resilient to stress and other unwanted emotions.
• Emotional Support. When you feel secure in your relationship, you are more likely to share your thoughts and feelings, rather than keep them bottled up, which is extremely beneficial to emotional health.

How can a loving, healthy relationship aide in the treatment of mental illness?

Mental illness effects more than just the person experiencing it, it affects everyone around them and every person that loves them, in some way.  Luckily, when you are in a loving, committed relationship, you never need to go through something like this alone. That means, should you ever receive a mental illness diagnosis, your partner or loved one can and should be involved in your treatment.

A mental illness diagnosis can be difficult and overwhelming, so having a loved one by your side for emotional support can help immensely. Not only that but having them actively involved in your treatment plan can also be extremely beneficial. They can help to provide valuable information about your symptoms and ability to function at home. They can help ensure that you comply with treatment recommendations, help with medication management inside the home, and help track and report medication side effects and other relevant information to your treatment provider.

Never feel ashamed, or perceive yourself as a burden, by having your loved one involved in your mental illness treatment. When you love someone, you are invested in their health and well-being. This is what we do for each other in a loving, healthy relationship.