Often we find it difficult to manage or mantain relationships where mental health is involved. We struggle to understand signs and symptoms of mental health and often use ineffective coping mechanisms in the relationship which may often exacerbate conflict and in turn increase negative behaviours within the relationship. It is important to understand mental health and learn ways to manage it in your relationship

2. Understanding Mental Health
and its impact on relationships
Kutlwano Mnisi
Clinical Psychologist

3. Mental Health
• Mental health is a positive concept related to the social and
emotional wellbeing of people
• It includes our cognitive, emotional, psychological, and social well-
being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave
• The concept relates to the enjoyment of life, ability to cope with
stress and sadness, the fulfilment of goals and potential, and a sense
of connection to others.
• Mental health is about wellness rather than illness

4. Mental Health
• Like physical health, mental health is not fixed – it exists on a
continuum: from positive, healthy functioning to severe symptoms
of mental health conditions
• A person’s mental health moves back and forth along this
continuum during their lifetime, in response to different stressors
and circumstances
• Mental health problems occur when we are unable to manage the
stressors that life brings, or being unable to adapt to new life
circumstances

5. So what is Mental Health?
• Mental health is the foundation for the well-being and effective
functioning of individuals.
• It is more than the absence of a mental disorder; it is the ability to
think, learn, and understand one’s emotions including the reactions
of others.
• Mental health is a state of balance, both within and with the
environment. Physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and
other interrelated factors participate in producing this balance

6. Common mental health problems
• Anxiety Disorders
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Mood Disorder
• Substance Abuse Disorder

7. Signs and Symptoms (General Outlook)
• There is a difference between signs and symptoms
• Signs are observable changes in behaviour, in communication
mannerisms, and is mostly reported by other people (objective).
• Symptoms are experienced and reported by an individual. These are
not usually obvious to others, and if severe, they can hinder a persons
functioning (subjective).
7

8. DSM-5, 2013 8
• SIGNS
• Tearfulness
• Limited speech, withdrawal
• Diminished ability to perform daily
activities
• Decreased libido,
• Losing or gaining weight
• Slow processing speed
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of pleasure experience
• Increased substance intake
• Self-harm behaviours
• SYMPTOMS
• Mood: Sad, irritable, hopeless, intense
fear
• Fatigue or increase/decrease of energy
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Feeling worthless, extreme guilt
• Hopeless/helpless
• Poor concentration, inability to make
decisions
• Thoughts of death/suicide

9. Ways Mental Health Problems Affect
intimate Relationships
• Increased arguments (mood dysregulations, anger outbursts, lack of
empathy from one/both parties)
• Intimacy problems (decreased libido, no interest in affection or sex)
• Isolation (wants to be alone) – resulting in the other partner not knowing
how to help
• Lack of communication, leading to habits of assumption, which can
increase emotional distance
• Lack of open communication about signs and symptoms as experienced
by one, may create confusion and frustration
• It can place strain on the other partner as they would have to take on all
family responsibility for the sake of their better half

10. Ways Mental Health Problems Affect
intimate Relationships
• Increased negative talk: which may include belittling of the other
• Partner with mental health issues may project their feelings of
inadequacy, low self-esteem, or performance anxiety onto their better
half
• For both partners, mental health issues may result in decreased bonding
and lead to unmet needs
• A partner with mental health conditions may have limited emotional
availability, which make the other partner to feel rejected, disconnected
and disappointed
• An increased pattern of codependency (unhealthy relationship pattern)

11. Helpful Nuggets for Partners
• Educate yourself. Learn more about mental health together
• Practice communicating openly and honestly about your feelings,
needs, and concerns.
• Commit to self-care, by taking care of your physical and mental health
(this will help you to become better equipped to support each other)
• Seek professional help
• Have realistic expectations (don’t make demands for your partner to
change who they are, or expect them to meet all your needs always.
Both of you should not violate your boundaries)