3 Tips for Finding the Courage to Open Up About Depression and Anxiety to Your Partner
If you live with anxiety, depression, or a combination of the two, then you know just how impossible life can seem. Even the smallest of tasks can seem almost impossible when you are struggling with your mental health—including opening up to your partner about your struggles.
Although it may seem easier to simply ignore the problem and not clue your partner in on what you are going through, this will only create more issues in the long run. This can seem like an incredibly scary step to take with your partner. Keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks to make discussing your anxiety and depression with your partner easier.
One: Recognize that there is nothing wrong with living with anxiety and depression.
Depression and anxiety have such a hold on us because of shame. It is the nature of the conditions to make you feel like you are worthless and should be embarrassed. This could not be further from the truth though.
Millions of people in the United States struggle with their mental health on a daily basis. There is nothing shameful or wrong about struggling with your anxiety or depression levels. These factors do not define you, and even if they did, there is nothing wrong with them. Acknowledging this before speaking to your partner about it is a great first step in the right direction.
Two: Write out your feelings first before initiating a conversation.
A lot of the time, it is much easier to do a brain dump onto a piece of paper before starting a difficult conversation. People have notecards with them when they present a speech in front of people, why should having a serious conversation with your partner be any different?
Instead of diving into a conversation you may not feel ready for, take some time to write out your thoughts beforehand. Even if you choose not to refer back to them as notes, you can still come away from this exercise feeling more clear-headed than before.
Three: Look at it as an opportunity for growth in your relationship.
One of the best ways to grow in your relationship is by being vulnerable with your partner. What could be more vulnerable than opening up about your mental health concerns?
In addition to allowing yourself to be vulnerable, this also offers a chance for your partner to show empathy and compassion for you. You can always tell how someone feels about you when you are in a time of need. Notice how your partner steps up when you need them to so that you can feel even stronger in your partnership.
Honorable mention: Always remember that your partner loves and cares for you.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that your partner loves and cares about you. Regardless of what you have to say about your personal struggles with mental health, they would want you to feel comfortable opening up with them about anything. Relationships are a give and take, and at times, it can be very intimidating to speak with them about vulnerable subjects. But truly, you have nothing to fear, and their love for you will not disappear because of your struggles with anxiety and depression. I promise.
If, after following these helpful hints, you still find discussing your mental health struggles with your partner difficult, I strongly encourage you to seek guidance from a trained professional. Opening up about these kinds of vulnerable things can be intimidating, but it is so worth it in the long run. Reach out if you are interested in learning more about anxiety treatment or depression treatment.
