In 2018 my marriage changed forever. After being hospitalized for several weeks in the psych ward, my spouse was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and DID.
The #mentalhealth system is not setup with the significant other (SO) in mind.
You are left to fend for yourself.
Take these 3 steps as soon as your spouse or partner is diagnosed with a #mentalillness like #anxiety #PTSD #depression #dissociation #bipolar
A Thread...
Begin #Journaling
Your observations
Your feelings
Your new-found knowledge
Bonus: Remember to journal about the good times, too.
Begin #Therapy
Process your emotions
Express your frustrations
Ask for guidance to accept, adjust, cope and strengthen your relationship
Bonus: Work with a #therapist that understands your partner's Dx
Join a Community
In-person support group
Online community
Bonus: You will likely desire to isolate. Try not to. Stay connected with supportive #family and #friends.
If you take these 3 steps:
Begin Journaling
Begin Therapy
Join a Community
You will learn that:
You are not alone.
You can cope.
You can heal.
You can strengthen your relationship, even if it is turned upside down by #mentalillness.