Is it possible to be in a relationship with someone that is mentally ill?

Question

I may be in love with an amazingly beautiful, intelligent girl but she may have scizophrenia, borderline dosorder, possibly multiple personality disorder.

Answer 1

My boyfriend has been with me for 2 years and I have paranoid schizophrenia and have been unmedicated for a majority of the time he has been with me. It's very doable a lot of people marry others with mental illnesses, I've had numerous relationships and my current boyfriend has been more than supportive, sometimes I may need him to help me get through something but he is always there I guess it depends on how strong you are some days you may have to help her get through things but some days she may have to help you get through rough patches, read up on some books about mental illnesses and how you can help there are plenty of books and online information out there, sometimes mental illnesses are harder on some relationships than others I have had it a long time so I have learnt how to deal with a lot of problems and have done my best to keep it separate from the relationship but it took me quite some time to adjust to myself and learn how it is to work well in situations. It depends on her and depends on how hard your willing to try, it is more than doable if she is being medicated things will be a lot easier talk to her about it and read up on the illness don't get into a relationship when you don't know much about her illness or you may break her heart if you think you got into something thats over your head.

As much information as you can find will help, other peoples experiences tend to teach you more than medical facts but medical facts are important to teach you the basics also. See how other people got through the same situations. Maybe even go to a doctors session with her (if that's ok with her) but remember don't push her and don't treat her as ill don't say things like "did you take your medication? did you do this did you do that?" be there for her as her boyfriend or friend or what ever you may be now and in the future be there for her as you always have been she will need that more than anything.
Read "tell me I'm here" by Anne Deveson (you can get it and a range of other good books from Amazon) it is a good and helpful first hand experience to teach you some tips and how the illness works in a more severe case, it also depends on her severity but it sounds like she is either doing good on medication or has learnt to control her self well, you will be fine just have hope in one another and talk things out with her, each persons experience with it is different some are a lot harder than others but whether it is hard or not it will only work if two people are really trying you may be tired somedays and want a break but some days she will need you, learn first about it before you leap into something you may regret

Answer 2

The fact that she is open with you regarding her illness, is a good sign that she has her condition under control.
As long as she keeps taking her medications and continues whatever Dr.s care she's getting, there's no reason you can't both enjoy a long happy relationship.
Keep in mind though, that although controlled to a point, her illness will be a permanant part of her life (and yours), and it may be a source of some problems should she stop taking her medications, or they stop working for whatever reason. (Sometimes prolonged use causes the body to build up a tolorance to certain medications, or hormonal body changes such as aging may require her to have her meds readjusted or changed.) Drug and alcohol use will also cause problems, and should also be avoided.
Her honesty and your patience will make all the difference to help the relationship.
Good luck to both of you!

Answer 3

Yes it is very possible.
With the wonders of modern day medicine, people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses can live pretty normal lives, but it takes therapy and work for them to be okay. People with these illnesses do not want them, they have a disease just like diabetes or cancer or something else; I think its a good idea to explore this possibility, it may be hard sometimes, you do need to know what you're getting yourself into, and you may want to consider if youre ready for it.
Goodluck and keep an open mind whatever way you choose.

Answer 4

Nothing wrong with this, however, make sure you read up on her conditions and do a good amount of research. This will ensure that should anything happen, you'll be able to deal with the situations.

Also, you should sit down and figure out whether you will be capable enough in terms of emotional and mental to deal with her issues without freaking out too much. If you can't deal with this emotionally and psychologically and she can't deal with freaking out when you're around, my advice is to either sit down and work something out or if not, cut this relationship short. Nothing good will come out of the relationship if both parties end up hurting one another.

Answer 5

OK I won't win any brownie points in here but I can tell you from experience that it will wear you down. You have no idea how difficult it can be. My advice to you would be to get out now and not get too involved. The PC answer would be to tell you it will be fine but don't realize that your sick of dealing with it after you have permanantly tied your life to this person. Even if the condition is under control now, it can change for the worse in the future. These Yahoos telling you it will be fine are not the ones who are going to be dealing with it. You will be. And when it gets to that point, you won't care how beautiful she is.

Answer 6

Yes,but it will take you being very understanding.Being in a relationship with someone with a mental illness is a challenge.Things are not easy and will never be easy.Things you may have thought were normal in other relationships are so not in this one.Be aware,read up on the specific disorder,be educated.Be supportive~

Answer 7

It isn't always easy, but its possible. My husband is schizo-affective. I personally have panic disorder and probably OCD. About two years ago my husband had a psycotic episode which included paranoia and auditory hallucinations (voices). It was a very scary time. I wasn't afraid OF him, I was afaid FOR him. I was afraid of losing him. He got help, and a combination of meds and therapy has really helped him. I love him very much and we are very happy. It IS possible to have a good relationship and a good life with someone who is mentally ill, but just like any relationship, it is alot of work. Be prepared for it to possibly take a long time for meds/therapy to work. My advise: don't be afraid of going to therapy TOGETHER. it could help her feel suported and help you to understand the issues better. You might even get something out of it!

Answer 8

I agree that it would want to be really complicated to have 2 mentally unwell human beings (who're generally severe desires) in a courting with one yet another. it would want to artwork extra useful if one member of the partnership became mentally healthful and quite emotionally resilient with a view to tackle the further rigidity of being with someone who's mentally unwell.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

no, cause the relationship won't work. the disorder must be cured first before you had deep relationship with her, because if not you will both have lots of problems in the coming future.