When we are ill, we need more care, attention, and support, than when we are well. It is harder for those who are ill to have loving relationships in their lives. Consumers are more vulnerable than those with other maladies, because they suffer not only physically, but also emotionally. Just when consumers most need to be loved and cared for, they are the least able to attract, nurture, and support loving and caring relationships.
Medications greatly affect personal appearance, lowering self-esteem and giving rise to dry scaly skin, acne, severe hair loss, brittle nails, frequent urination, and heavy weight gain. Psychiatric medications, such as lithium, cause painful vaginal dryness, while the antipsychotics and antidepressants, lead to lack of desire and arousal, all of which frustrate intimacy. Consumers have enough trouble dealing with esteem issues without being made to feel even worse about themselves.
Among the consumers seeking a family life, the negative effects of the medications, such as the risk of birth defects, are a deterrent from seeking full intimacy. Parents who have mental illness often don't have enough energy to care well for their newborn children, and the stressors of raising a child can be detrimental to their recovery. Often, there is not enough time for oneself, much less for little ones, or one's partner.
Physical intimacy is important for many people throughout their lives, but mental illness complicates it in many ways. Lack of energy means that one is greatly restricted in what one can accomplish in a given day. This impacts upon relationships because there may not be enough time for others. Do you feel well enough to leave the house today? Can you make your appointments? Are your friends as patient and understanding as you? Do they often fall short of their expectations?
It takes a special person to befriend a person who is ill-mentally ill, or not. But caring for someone else is one way we can claim our humanity. There are many wonderful things to be gained from relationships-nobility, patience, kindness, usefulness, tolerance, sensitivity, generosity and inspiration.
Relationships enable sharing, helping, comforting, listening, supporting, caring, being active together, laughing, confiding, conversing, nurturing, and learning. The emotional support is wonderful and is cherished by consumers. Companionship and friendship at many levels provide a quality of life which offsets the grim struggle that many consumers endure in their lives. A reminder to take meds, accompanying someone to the doctor, helping with daily chores, remembering a birthday or holiday, all mean so much to those who are coping with illness, especially mental illness.
Often, conversation is what is most needed. Talking about one's feelings lightens the heart. Laughter is, indeed, good medicine. Finding someone sympathetic to listen to you is the challenge. Consumers know that talk therapy really lessens the burden, and even more so does talking with close friends and family.
The financial security and support that comes with a marriage or relationship with a significant other is non-existent for consumers. Unfortunately, having to choose between receiving government benefits as a single adult, or marrying one's partner is a real problem for those who are impoverished and mentally ill. Their disability benefits would be drastically cut, and they could not afford to live at the same level of poverty they are already designated to-via living through government subsidies.
Loving relationships can be found by consumers. As we better educate ourselves and others, finding someone to care about becomes easier. Being more active daily helps with the illness, as well as in finding friendships and companionship. Doing volunteer work, attending church or synagogue, are some safe ways to meet others. A simple smile from a neighbor can make a day. Remaining open to the good people around you, you may find love among the ruins