Navigating relationships can be difficult, even more so when mental health issues are involved.
It’s important to handle these situations with empathy, patience, and understanding.
Although, there are times when the dynamics become too damaging, and the best choice might be to step back.
“When To Walk Away From Someone with Mental Illness,” looks into the fine line between helping someone and safeguarding one’s own mental health.
We discuss signs that it might be time to consider distance, and discuss how to get professional assistance.
To get professional guidance, you can also turn to Urgent Care of Kansas for a helping hand.
We can help relieve the overwhelm you are experiencing.
Mental Illness and Relationships
How did you come to realize, “I need to step away?”
There comes a point in some relationships where you might find yourself physically and mentally exhausted.
Not because of the lack of love or care, but because of the overwhelming stress caused by a loved one’s mental illness.
It can be especially difficult when this person is someone incredibly close to you – a friend, parent, spouse, or another family member.
The understanding of their condition and the effort to ease their burden is, of course, essential to this process.
Nonetheless, there are times when, in spite of all your efforts, the situation could spiral out of your hands.
These are distressing times, especially for someone who is battling mental health issues, and we wish we could stand by their side through it all.
Yet there are times when such moments arise, and when he walks away, let him go.
It is not that we have failed to care for the situation, but simply that it is now out of our ability to handle.
Mental Illness Issues in Couples
It is normal for couples to fight.
Sometimes, circumstances reach a point where a sad walk away is inevitable.
Unfortunately, mostly in romantic relationships, the person whose spouse has a mental illness might experience physical, sentimental, or financial abuse.
Conversely, this is not to imply that mental illness is conducive to abuse.
In many circumstances, especially when a person refuses to seek medical care help, then abuse is more likely to emerge.
Loving someone with mental illness is not bad, but you must be strong and have a lot of patience to help them get better.
Conversely, when you can’t walk away and your relationship is getting worse, it is important to make the decision to leave based on some warning signs.
We have mentioned the signs below, so be sure to read through all of them.
You must compare those signs with your partner and take the steps carefully.
Should you find that these signs do not suffice, contact us.
5 Signs to Stay Away from People with Mental Illness
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Your Relationship Is Emotionally or Mentally Abusive
Perhaps the person in your life does not allow you any personal space, or they are extremely envious when you spend time with someone other than them. Their love sometimes appears conditional and unexpected.
When you can’t walk away, you frequently feel like an emotional punching bag at that moment. Other typical indications of emotional abuse are:
- An unwillingness to accept responsibility. If anything, they will try to blame you.
- Guilt-tripping and manipulation. They utilize extreme techniques to get their way, such as threatening to harm themselves or end their own lives.
- Threats of physical abuse. They imply that failing to cooperate may result in future harm.
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Your Relationship Is Physically Abusive
In any relationship, your mental well-being and physical health come first. You have the right to walk away from people who are responsible for your mental illness. Therefore, it is vital to take the wise step as early as possible to take that person to the health professional or apart the way from each other.
Furthermore, you constantly try to be in a safe and comfortable relationship, but your partners take it wrong and abuse you many times. It would be best to leave that person and never get in trouble again.
Look at the few signs of physical abuse:
- Your partner repeats the same mistake again and then lets things go smoothly.
- The partner threatens to abuse and hurt you more than a time.
- He intentionally breaks your belongings and the possessions you like.
Be Aware: When your partner hurts you once, there is more likely the chance to hit you again and bother you. Thus, taking the initial step by walking away from people will be your best option.
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You Only Stick Around Because You Feel Pity for Them
Every healthy relationship is built on mutual trust, respect, and honesty. Even if you have excellent intentions, remaining with someone out of pity insults you and the other person.
What to do when someone distances themselves from you? If you get hurt multiple times, it may be time to leave.
Consider what you get from your relationship with this person.
When you remain with someone out of sympathy, you lower their self-esteem. Allowing them to live and live without you in the picture is considerably more thoughtful.
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They Won’t Get Any Mental Health Treatment
Sometimes, your partner or loved one does not believe that mental health treatments such as therapy would be effective. They are unwilling to take action to enhance their mental health.
They are entitled to their own opinions about therapy and other treatment alternatives.
You do have to wait for them to take good care of themselves.
It is wonderful and compassionate to support this person; it is not worth compromising your mental health.
Your livelihood and way of life are just as essential as theirs, and you must walk away when you’re not a priority.
Divorcing A Mentally Ill Spouse
Divorcing a spouse who has a mental illness can be an especially complex and difficult situation.
On the other hand, the symptoms of their illness may have negatively impacted their relationship and home life, causing strain and arguments.
When you stay away from her or him during an argument, it will be safer for you both.
It is possible, however, that ending the marriage could worsen their condition and cause feelings of abandonment for them.
Careful consideration needs to be given to their treatment needs and level of stability.
Hardest Thing Walking Away from Someone You Love
The hardest thing about walking away from someone you love is letting go of that love and connection.
Even if the relationship has become difficult or unhealthy, breaking ties with that person means losing the bond you’ve formed.
It means grieving a future that won’t be. Despite any problems that have arisen, your care and affection for them likely remain.
Walking away requires finding the strength and acceptance to prioritize your well-being even if it means losing them.
It’s an act that takes courage, but sometimes necessary for both people to have a chance at happiness again.
Though painful with time the heart can heal and one can learn to love anew.
Seek Help from Urgent Care of Kansas
In some circumstances, the decision to leave is clear and beneficial for you but not all the time.
When physical violence is present in any form, especially if the individual fears for their own life or well-being, they should leave promptly because safety must come first.
In contrast, choosing to pull back from a relationship does not mean leaving someone with a mental illness behind.
Comparatively, it shows respect for one’s limits.
You can continue to provide your spouse support and resources for seeking professional therapy.
If you need any assistance, contact us. We are here for your well-being and mental support.
FAQs
What is the hardest mental illness to live with?
Schizophrenia is often considered one of the most difficult mental illnesses to live with due to its hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and speech.
Should you stay with someone with mental health issues?
Whether to stay with someone struggling with mental health issues is a personal decision that depends on several factors. Supporting their treatment while setting boundaries for your well-being is important.
When to end a relationship with someone who has a mental illness?
A relationship with someone struggling with mental illness may be best ended if:
- Their condition is severe and untreated, resulting in significant disruption/instability.
- You feel unsafe, or your well-being is being seriously compromised over time.
- All attempts at getting them treatment and maintaining healthy relationship dynamics have been unsuccessful.
How to handle a crazy person?
The most respectful approach is seeking understanding, avoiding escalating tensions, and encouraging appropriate medical help.
What to do when someone distances themselves from you?
When someone distances themselves from you, give them space while gently communicating your availability if they want support.
Resist taking it personally and making demands, as stress in their life may be the cause.
What to do when someone with bipolar pushes you away?
When someone with bipolar disorder pushes you away, know that mood swings and paranoia associated with their illness may be causing it, not anything you did.
Give them compassionate space and reassure them of your support through calm, caring messages.
Don’t take it personally and maintain contact in case they want company during depressed phases.
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