Can you date someone with a mental health condition?

There is no dating class in high school, let alone dating someone who has a mental health issue. Nonetheless, fear does not have to damage your relationship or strain it to the point that it is difficult to enjoy it. If you are considering dating someone who has a mental health condition, consider these facts.

People with mental illnesses are more likely than others to experience discrimination in employment, housing, credit and other areas. If you are an employer, employee or consumer; please read our action items on Mental Health Awareness for more information.

It is important to remember that people with mental illnesses cannot control their symptoms, nor do they make conscious decisions about whether or not to take their medications. If you are dating or living with someone who has a mental illness, try not to take this fact lightly or without giving it much thought.

Dating someone who has a mental health condition is not only possible, but also healthy. If you decide to go forward with this arrangement, work with your partner to ensure they know what is expected of them and help them get the support they need.

People with mental illnesses are not a threat to others, but they can be threats to themselves.

How do you date someone with generalized anxiety disorder?

5 Do's and Don'ts When Dating Someone Who Has Anxiety

1. Do research to learn about anxiety and understand your partner.
2. Don’t mistake anxious behavior as directed towards you.
3. Do hone in on ways to keep your own anxiety in check.
4. Do consider seeing a couples counselor if you’re both having trouble navigating the anxiety.
5. Do separate your partner from their anxiety.

How do you date someone with social anxiety?

4 Do's and Don'ts When Dating Someone Who Has Anxiety

1. Do research to learn about anxiety and understand your partner.
2. Don’t forget that your partner is the expert on their own anxiety.
3. Do show you care without reinforcing the cause of their anxiety.
4. Don’t mistake anxious behavior as directed towards you.

Are dating apps bad for your mental health?

Although the study did not demonstrate a direct association, dating app use can lead to anxiety and sadness, according to Soltana Nosrati, LCSW, a Novant Health social worker. People's self-esteem might also be harmed by dating apps if they take rejection or a lack of matches too personally. No matter what platform you're using to find love, keep in mind that it's not all fun and games: Dating apps are no different than the traditional way of meeting people. They can help you make connections with others, provided you use them properly.

Here are some other ways dating apps may be harmful for your mental health: By allowing you to quickly send messages to multiple people at once, they may encourage you to write overly short notes which can cause anxiety. Also, since most apps do not require you to meet anyone in person before you can date them, they can lead to feelings of loneliness unless you make new friends through your profile. Finally, checking your phone too often while talking on the phone with someone else may hurt your relationship rather than help it. It's best to leave apps alone for an hour after you've had a big fight, for example, so you don't burn out and drive yourself crazy.

If you feel like dating apps are harming your mental health, try reducing your usage or stopping altogether for a few weeks to see how you feel. Or talk to your doctor about finding another way to meet people.

About Article Author

Annie Marsh

Annie Marsh is a dating expert who knows all about what it takes to have a successful relationship. She especially enjoys guiding other people through the process of finding their special someone because it gives her great satisfaction to see them happy at the end of it all!