Loving someone through depression or anxiety is its own kind of hard. You might feel helpless watching them struggle, unsure whether to push or give space. You may walk on eggshells, or quietly run yourself down holding everything together. None of that makes you selfish. It makes you human, and it is a sign you need support too.
If you are worried about your partner's safety: please take it seriously. Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 can guide you both. In an emergency, call 000.
Listen more than you fix. Often what helps most is feeling understood, not solved. Learn a little about what they are facing, so their withdrawal or irritability makes more sense. Encourage professional help gently, but accept you cannot do the recovery for them. And keep your own life going, because that is what keeps you able to help.
Mental illness strains even strong relationships. Communication frays, roles get lopsided, and guilt or resentment can build quietly. A psychologist helps you both understand what is happening and protect the connection underneath. You might go together, or you might get support on your own. Both are completely valid.
Supporting someone unwell can wear you down. Looking after your own mental health is not a betrayal of your partner. It is what lets you keep showing up. See our guides to depression and anxiety and relationship issues.
Listen, encourage professional help, and protect your own rest and support. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Both are valid. Couple sessions help you face the strain together. Individual sessions let you process your own experience.
Yes. Difficult feelings do not make you a bad partner. They are a sign you need support too.
Yes, including together from one place or from different locations.
Important: This is general information, not personal advice. If you or your partner are in crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.
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