Struggling with a chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, or cancer can put a strain on even the best relationship. If your partner has a chronic illness, you can combat feelings of frustration and helplessness with patience, commitment, and open communication.
Here are 7 ways you and your partner can successfully navigate the stresses of a chronic health issue and take care of each others’ needs.
7 ways to help your partner with a chronic illness
1. Communicate with each other
With any relationship, whether or not chronic illness is involved, honest and open communication is key. Expressing your feelings to your partner can help you avoid feeling detached from your loved one, and talking about potential solutions to problems can help you work together as a team.
2. Talk about each partner’s needs
Chronic illness can easily shift the balance of a relationship. Your partner may experience a blow to their low self-esteem due to having to rely on your help. You may at times feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caretaking and feel resentful if your needs aren’t being met. Discuss each partner’s needs and remember that each person in the relationship is equally important. Figure out how each can take care of each other in different ways.
3. Accept that some situations will be stressful
Dealing with a chronic illness can be unpredictable, and you may have to accept the fact that you may not be able to anticipate or control every situation that arises. Do everything you can to educate yourself about the disease and available options for treatment, but learn to let go of what you cannot control.
4. Take care of your own health
While caring for your partner is important, caring for yourself is crucial as well. If you neglect your own health, you may burn out and be unable to help your loved one. Studies have shown that spouses who are caregivers are much more likely to experience:
- Fear of the future
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Deterioration in intimacy
- Fatigue and sleep deprivation
- Social disruption
- Financial difficulties
- Emotional toll on health due to stress
Make time for yourself to go for a walk, get a workout in, meet up with friends, or simply take a break to avoid harming your own physical and mental health.
5. Avoid isolating yourself
Chronic illness can be isolating, and it can make you and your partner depressed if you don’t have strong friendships to help you feel supported. Plan and follow through on social engagements and family get-togethers as much as possible.
6. Address financial problems
Having a spouse or partner with a chronic illness can cause financial strain due to increased medical expenses and loss of income. Consider enlisting the help of a financial planner who has experience helping people with chronic medical conditions.
7. Cherish each other
Show compassion and empathy toward each other. Do something kind for each other, even if it’s something small. While dealing with chronic illness can be tough, remember that you are a team.
Karen Bruno. 7 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong Despite a Chronic Illness. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/chronic-illness-seven-relationship-tips
Supporting a Spouse Through a Health Challenge. Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/supporting-a-spouse-through-a-health-challenge
Quality of life: impact of chronic illness on the partner. NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1282240/
Top How Can I Help My Partner With Chronic Illness Related Articles
Chronic Fatigue Quiz
Exhausted all the time? Maybe it's not all in the mind. Take the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Quiz to learn more about tricky condition.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or SEID)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer, is not improved by bed rest, and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
Chronic Fatigue Slides
What is chronic fatigue syndrome? CFS can occur at any age for men or women. Learn more about the causes of CFS, as well as tests and treatments associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic kidney failure, is slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years. CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively.
COPD Quiz
COPD is a combination of three conditions? Take this quiz to learn the three conditions that make up the pulmonary disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How Do I Stop Chronic Worrying?
Chronic worrying means being worried about things non-stop or for an extended period. You can stop chronic worrying by practicing meditation and mindfulness, not procrastinating, talking to someone, and using other techniques.
Mental Health
Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under the umbrella of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, and substance-abuse disorders are common types of mental illness. Symptoms and signs of mental illness include irritability, moodiness, insomnia, headaches, and sadness. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.
15 Ways to Reduce Pain
Chronic pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including arthritis, headaches, and others. Comprehensive chronic pain management therapy may include physical therapy, lifestyle strategies such as exercise, diet changes, meditation, journaling, medications, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco use. Make helpful changes to manage your chronic condition.