Mental health issues can be difficult for the person dealing with the issue and their spouse. Knowing how to support your spouse when they are going through a tough time can be hard. According to Matthew Teeple, there are some things you can do to help make the situation easier for both of you. In this post, we will discuss a few of those things.
Matthew Teeple’s Top Tips for supporting Your Spouse Through Mental Health Issues
Sensitively Communicate With Them
If your spouse is dealing with a mental health issue, it’s important to be supportive. According to Matthew Teeple, one of the best ways to do this is to communicate with them sensitively.
This means taking the time to listen to them and really hear what they’re saying. It also means being patient and understanding when they’re feeling down or having a tough time.
Finally, it means being there for them when they need you, whether just to talk or help them through a tough time. By supporting your spouse’s mental health, you can help them feel better and cope with their condition.
Offer Validation
Just as you wouldn’t expect your spouse to “snap out of” a physical ailment, you shouldn’t expect them to recover from mental illness without help.
One of the best things you can do is offer support and validation. Matthew Teeple recommends listening to your spouse when they need to talk and telling them that you believe them when they share their experiences with you.
Additionally, try to educate yourself about mental illness to understand better what your spouse is going through. You can make a real difference in your spouse’s recovery by showing empathy and offering support.
Be Vulnerable With Them
Being vulnerable with your spouse is important if you truly want to support their mental health. Opening up about our own struggles can help our spouses feel more comfortable doing the same.
This vulnerability creates a deeper level of intimacy and understanding between us. It also allows us to give and receive more meaningful support.
Being vulnerable can be scary at first if you’re not used to being vulnerable. But it’s worth it to create a stronger bond with your spouse and be there for them during difficult times.
Do Fun Things Together
Another way to support your spouse’s mental health is to do fun things with them. This can help to reduce stress, promote bonding, and improve communication.
It can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care about their well-being. When choosing activities, it is important to consider your spouse’s interests and needs.
For example, if they struggle with anxiety, you might want to avoid crowded places or opt for calming activities like hiking or yoga. If they are dealing with depression, engaging in activities that make them feel good can be helpful.
So whether you’re taking a dance class together or going for a walk in the park, doing fun things with your spouse is a great way to show your support.
Matthew Teeple’s Concluding Thoughts
Supporting a spouse through mental health issues can be difficult, but it is important. Matthew Teeple believes that by being there for your spouse and providing support, you can help them get through this tough time.
If you are unsure what to do or how to help, reach out to a professional for guidance. You may also want to consider joining a support group for spouses of those with mental health issues.
Together, we can all work to break the stigma of mental illness and support those who need it.