Overview
It’s difficult to break up. It can be painful to break up with your partner when he or she is struggling with a psychiatric disorder. However, there are times when all you have to do is to evaluate your options and make hard decisions.
There’s nobody who would like to be accused of leaving their partner when they needed them most. But you should also not be in an unhealthy relationship because you are guilty of what people might say or think. At times all you can do is just quit for you to have peace of mind.
But before you do that, make sure you and your partner have done everything possible to rescue your relationship from crumbling. Otherwise, guilt will kill you because you’ll keep wondering whether you tried saving your relationship from crumbling.
These are steps you need to follow before calling it to quit
Don’t take it personally
You are not the one who has caused depression for your partner. Depressed people usually say or do things they can’t do. They might lash at others due to their illness. You are an easy target since you’re very close to the patient. Do not take this personal.
Look for help from outside
Engage with your friends or family members. Seek advice and support from them. Know that your needs are essential too therefore, you should take a breather.
Don’t rush into making decisions
In the end, you may find out that living with a depressed person is hard. You may consider distancing yourself if you feel like they are being too much. You might decide to distant yourself for a while or permanently.
Before doing this, weigh your options not to make any decisions that you might live to regret. The decision you make may be emotional but know that any decision made out anger is never a wise decision.
Set a deadline
Consider putting up a timetable for change if you can’t bear any more. For example, you might decide to give it time. If your loved one doesn’t seem to cooperate, doesn’t want to start treatment or take medicine as instructed then you are allowed to walk away.
Practical Implications should be considered
There is a chance of a healthy partner in a relationship feeling frustrated and hopeless when dealing with a depressed partner. If you are married, walking away might be hard.
Other times depressed individuals are likely to take alcohol or drugs. If this happens, then the only choice you have is to just walk away. Your first priority might just be your children and your well-being. Before you quit, you will have to consider and take a look at these practical considerations.