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Unknown userMember
Living and loving someone with MI presents relationship challenges and often others cannot see why we chose to stay with our partners.
Being mindful of not intruding on others stories I thought having a thread where we can share tips and encourage one another would be of value.
In response to: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Sophie1Senior Contributor
Welcome @DownButNotOut 👋
I totally agree re the sentiment that it's a choice every day to continue to support our loved ones who struggle with MI.
this forum is the best place I have found for support from people who really truly understand what you are challenged with - well at least more so than those who haven't loved/lived through a similar relationship ... this the advice provided and encouragement comes from a place of wisdom and shared understanding
post as much or as little as you feel comfortable - we are always always happy to listen and help shoulder the burden - seriously I have sometimes been away for years and then come back to the forum and it's still here - still with a core of people who will provide a sounding board at the least and maybe a helpful hint or really useful idea you wouldn't have thought of otherwise
My partner of 23 years - MsS - has Major depression, generalised anxiety, bipolar II all diagnosed and I believe possibly PTSD undiagnosed as she will not openly talk about her traumas enough to get the diagnosis if that makes sense...
anyway welcome and feel free to tag me anytime you want to ask a qn or share or whatever 🙂
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Unknown userMember
Hi @David16
This article might be of help to you.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Unknown userMember
@SleepyDad
If you feel comfortable, you are welcome to join in this discussion thread.
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Shaz51Senior Contributor
hello and hugs @SleepyDad , @David16
how are you tonight xx
Hello @Former-Member , @Sophie1 , @Former-Member @DownButNotOut , @Faith-and-Hope
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
SleepyDadContributor
Thank you @Former-Member, @Shaz51 and everyone for the welcome
In response to: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Unknown userMember
@Mrsjones , I hope you don't mind but I have moved your question over here to where other forum members who care for their partners might be more likely to find it.
@Mrsjones wrote:
"The meaningful activities is something that has resonated with me. Mr Jones has brought this topic up a few times but we never really got a chance to focus on it. I see that added some meaningful tasks into his week would really help, although he does struggle to commit to somethings long term due to his illness. Finding a hobbie would really help both of us as our lived are normally just work, kids, university... and thats it.
and
What type of lifestyle changes have people made to support their partners illness?
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Unknown userMember
How are you going @Sophie1 @SleepyDad @Shaz51 @Former-Member @DownButNotOut @kaygee
@Mrsjones @Jay-e @nymeria92 come and meet others who care for their partners, feel free to join in this discussion thread.
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
MrsjonesSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Sophie1Senior Contributor
Hi @Mrsjones and @SleepyDad
welcome to this thread and forum 🙂
Thankyou @Former-Member for the tag x and hi @Shaz51 @Former-Member and others in tonight
my partner has Bipolar II , major depression and generalised anxiety all diagnosed and I suspect ptsd undiagnosed ... anyway ... I have been MsS's partner for over 20 years (yes we are both female in case you are adding up my username and MsS as my way to refer to my partner).. we are both on our forties now and well used to the realities of a life and partnership impacted by mental illness challenges.
this forum has been very helpful to ask for feedback and guidance when I need it and just to feel not alone in these challenges
one of the ways we adjust our lifestyle to be more realistic is we only ever have one social event per weekend - any more than that is too much for MsS and we end up canceling anyway and then dealing with all the guilt and anxiety around that
also we try to have at least one weekend a month with no social events so we can get our house in order and truly relax with each other and catch up on sleep !
In response to: Re: Partners who chose to stay for the long haul
Shaz51Senior Contributor
hello @Mrsjones , @Former-Member , @Sophie1 , @SleepyDad , @Former-Member
today but to work
Mr shaz having anxiety all day ,
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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