Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Support for Partners

At Stick By Me Counselling, we understand that partners frequently bear their own unspoken burdens while caring for others. This blog provides a guide to assist you in supporting your loved one without losing yourself along the way.

Understanding Their Struggle

Mental health difficulties aren’t always visible. Your partner may look fine on the outside, while quietly struggling on the inside. Emotional withdrawal, irritability, avoidance, or disconnection are often signs that something deeper is going on.

Rather than taking it personally, try seeing their behaviour as a reflection of inner distress  not a rejection of you.

 Compassion does not mean sacrificing your own emotional needs.

How You Can Support Them  Without Taking It All On

1. Listen Without Trying to “Fix”

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just listen. Avoid giving advice unless it’s asked for. Let them know they’re not alone.

2. Educate Yourself

If your partner is living with depression, PTSD, addiction, or another condition, take the time to learn about it. This helps reduce fear and gives you more tools to communicate supportively.

3. Encourage Professional Help  Gently

You can’t do the work for them. But you can encourage them to see a counsellor, join a support group, or talk to their GP. Offer to go with them if they’re nervous.

4. Maintain Your Own Boundaries

Loving someone doesn’t mean neglecting yourself. Set emotional boundaries and seek your own support  through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends.

5. Communicate Honestly

Speak openly about your needs too. Say, “I love you, and I want to support you — but I’m also feeling…” It’s okay to express your limits.

What About Your Mental Health?

It’s easy to put yourself last when someone else is struggling. But burnout, emotional fatigue, and resentment can build up if you’re not taking care of yourself.

At Stick By Me Counselling, we provide individual and couples therapy to assist partners:

• Process their own emotions

• Learn healthy communication strategies

• Set and hold boundaries

• Navigate intimacy challenges during mental health crises

• Rebuild trust, safety, and connection

You Deserve Support, Too

Loving someone with mental health struggles can be incredibly painful and confusing. But you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or unsure of how to help your partner (or help yourself), counselling can offer a space to breathe, be heard, and find clarity.

You matter, too.

Reach out when you’re ready  Stick By Me Counselling is here to walk beside you.

Ready to talk?

Book a session

Phone: 0451 206 692

Web: stickbymecounselling.com