How To Support Your Partner Through a Crisis
Whether your spouse suffers from substance abuse, is going through an addiction, a period of grief, or is struggling with a mental health crisis, there are times throughout your lives when you or your partner may be going through difficult circumstances. This should not spell the end of your marriage, however, and there are many ways that you can support your partner and set boundaries that allow you to stay happy and healthy during this trying time.
Help Them to Consider the Treatment Options
If the crisis that your partner is experiencing is the cause of or leads to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or addiction, it is important that you help them to come to terms with the right treatment options available. You should support your partner by discussing the pros and cons of each treatment as a team and stay supportive and encouraging of their decision, even if you fail to agree with them. You should also encourage them to seek professional help such as a doctor or to visit a rehab clinic, such as a clean addiction recovery center. Recovery centers can be one of the best ways to treat someone going through a crisis as this helps to separate them from the triggers or temptations of daily life in order to focus on their recovery surrounded by the professional help that they need.
Communicate and Listen to Them
Although you won’t be able to cure them, the best action that you can take is simply to provide a shoulder to lean on. Support your partner by listening to their concerns and discussing with them the issues that are causing them stress. However, you should never force someone to speak to you about their issues, and if you believe that they are likely to harm themselves, or you are unable to discuss certain issues with them, you should always contact professional counselors for them.
Find Financial Help
One of the best things that you can do to support your partner through a crisis is to maintain all the other aspects of their lives so that they are free to focus on their crisis recovery. For instance, this could be finding financial help for them in the shape of government welfare if they are unable to work, or finding charities that can help to support you and your family while you are struggling.
Support Your Partner with a Healthy Enviroment
You should also make sure that your partner has a supportive environment to recover at home. For instance, if their crisis has led to addiction, you may want to ensure that no alcohol or drugs enter the house; you may even want to fill your home with healthy snacks and drinks to help to boost their lifestyle choices. You should also try to make the home a peaceful as possible, taking away any elements which may be triggers of their stress, such as certain decorations to help support your partner through a crisis like this.
Get Help For Yourself if Needed
Trying to support your partner through a crisis can be difficult, though, and you should always seek help for yourself if you believe their crisis is having a negative effect on your mental or physical health. This can be in the form of a registered charity, support group, your local doctor, or a licensed counselor.