Woman relaxing in her boyfriends lap
The beginning of a new relationship is an exciting time. It is filled with new experiences, learning about each other, and enjoying the company of your significant other.
If you are someone who struggles with a mental health disorder, you may also be gearing up to let your new partner know about that part of your life. This can be a frightening prospect. There is still a stigma that plagues society regarding mental health issues.
The most important point to remember is that you are not just your diagnosis. You are an entire person far beyond your mental health issues. If you find yourself worrying about discussing your mental health challenges, here are few tips to get the conversation started.
Practice Before the Talk
Practice what you want to talk about. You could practice with another person with whom you feel safe and comfortable. That person can help you roleplay the situation, get a feel for the words coming out in a manner you want them to, and make sure you address all the points you want to cover.
Bring Up the Topic
Start by bringing the topic of mental health up. Learning other people’s opinions and perspectives can be a great place to start. Often you can learn a lot from other people and gain new insight into topics. Talking about mental health as a whole can be a great segway into your own personal experiences.
Explain Your Diagnosis
If your partner does not suffer from your disorder, then they may not know much about it. They probably will not understand exactly what it means or what you go through. If they are a good match for you, they will want to learn more about you and what you go through.
Be Open
It is important never to feel as if you have to talk about your mental health. However, if you want to talk about your mental health issues, then try to be open. Teaching others will help to eliminate stigma and increase the level of awareness in society at large.
Talking about your mental health issues can be frightening. The fear of judgment or stigma can become debilitating. Remember that you are much more than your diagnosis. Practice or roleplay the conversation ahead of time. Explain how your diagnosis affects you and your life. Here at The Guest House, we know it can be scary to open up. We are here to support and help you gain the skills needed to move through life successfully and with comfort. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options at (855) 483-7800.