Not everyone suffers from mental illness but everyone has mental health. We all need to be aware of how healthy we are mentally. It impacts our overall well-being, and it definitely impacts our relationships—especially our marriages. So how do we stay mentally healthy and have a healthy marriage?
Today we’re going to talk about 5 Mental Health Tips for Marriages.
I’m Angela Howard, my passion is to break the stigma of mental illness among fellow Christians. I’m here to help you live a more purposeful life with God, and with one another. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can get the first updates of new content.
Marriage is complicated, especially if you’re facing a mental health crisis. But even if you’re simply trying to have a strong marriage and remain mental healthy, there can be some pretty big obstacles that can get in the way. If you want a marriage that’s going to thrive through whatever life sends your way then this is a good place to start…
#1 You Are Responsible for Your Own Happiness
I’m not naïve. This is easy to say and harder to practice. In the first 15 years of our marriage, I was deeply affected by Michael’s ups and downs. If Michael wasn’t doing well, I wasn’t doing well. But this isn’t healthy. We can care for those we love without taking on their moods as our own. We must take ownership of our own joy as an individual.
#2 Throw Away Gender Roles
It makes no difference who does the cleaning, and who manages the budget. When you are working for the mental health of your family you’ll do best to focus on the strengths of each individual. Celebrate you unique gifts and support one another. That will give far more strength to the mental health your family then fighting over who is taking out the trash.
#3 Don’t Settle for Half-way Attempts at Getting Help
Whether you’re facing a mental illness diagnosis or not, if you are struggling in your marriage and you want to see an end to the sense of hopelessness, be unapologetically passionate about getting help. Get individual counseling, taking advantage of couple’s therapy or maybe an intensive is the best way to start. We live in a world where it can be an all-out fight to save your marriage, and to maintain your mental health. Our best success is when two people invest in the process of transformation. But even if you are the only one getting help, the fight is worth it.
#4 Laugh Whenever Possible
When Michael and I were dating I actually broke up with him because I didn’t think he was serious enough for me. After some really great advice from my mom and her best friend, who know me well, I came to my senses. I don’t know how we would have made it through the difficult times without his amazing sense of humor and that little twinkle in his eye. Find things that make you laugh, and don’t take life too seriously!
#5 Outlaw Comparison
Theodore Roosevelt said it best… “Comparison is the thief of joy.” You can’t compare your marriage with the marriage of your parents, your friends or your neighbors. For one thing, you aren’t on the inside of their struggles. And most importantly, we are all unique and have the choice to develop our own healthy marriages that are exclusive to us.
Scripture:
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7 (ESV)
Question:
How has addressing your mental health affected your marriage? Comment below, I’d love to hear for you!
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