Mental health and relationships
Mental health problems can affect our relationships – and vice versa.
If there’s a mental health problem within your relationship, or you’re struggling with how you feel about a relationship, the tools and advice on this page may help.
How do relationships affect mental health?
The more stable and fulfilling our relationships, the happier we’re likely to feel. But if things aren’t going so well, then any problems like conflict or fear could trigger a mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
On the other hand, if there’s already a problem with your own or your partner’s mental health, that can have a negative effect on your relationship, too.
On this page, you’ll find a range of information and advice from Bupa’s experts. It’s designed to help you manage your relationships and support your own, your partner’s, or even a friend’s mental health.
Looking after your relationship in tough times
Going through tough situations puts a strain on your relationship. Our Clinical Director for Mental Health talks about reasons why this might happen. He also suggests more helpful ways to talk to each other, and how to handle conflict.
How can I support a partner with mental health issues?
It’s hard to see a loved one struggling. It’s especially difficult if your relationship, or your own mental health, suffers as a result.
If you want to support a partner living with a mental health condition, a good place to start might be a talking therapy. Counselling or CBT are just two ways that could help either or both of you to cope.
Supporting a partner’s mental health can be hard work, so don’t forget to be kind to yourself and look after your own wellbeing, too. Consider using self-help support networks such as MIND.
Tips for looking after your mental health and relationships
Coping with a long-term health condition
A long-term physical health condition can also take its toll on your mental wellbeing. Here are some strategies for helping you build your resilience as you look after your own or your partner’s mental health.
Looking after your mental health as COVID-19 restrictions ease
Whether you were stuck at home together or forced to stay apart, your relationship may have suffered. This article suggests five things to focus on as you manage your mental health and relationships.
Coping strategies for people suffering with bereavement
We might hope that the sadness of a death would bring people together but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. If you have different responses to that loss, it can negatively affect your relationship.
00:04 Feeling grief about losing someone we love is a natural part of life, and
00:09 it happens to all of us at some point.
00:13 The death of a loved one is recognized as the most stressful thing people
00:16 ever face in life, but there are many types of loss which can cause grief.
00:21 Such as the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship after a separation.
00:27 Or the loss of health after a disabling injury or illness, reactions to grief
00:32 can include feelings of shock and disbelief, confusion, anger, guilt,
00:38 sadness, difficulty sleeping and the loss of appetite.
00:43 It's true that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
00:46 However, there are a number of self-care steps that can help you work
00:50 through the grief. Such as making time to talk to other people and
00:54 trying not to keep things bottled up.
00:56 Remembering and sharing happy memories of your loved one.
00:59 Eating properly and getting enough rest;
01:02 even if you can't sleep. If you're physically able to getting up and out
01:06 of your home for some exercise can help.
01:10 Even if it is just doing some gardening or going for a walk.
01:14 And make sure you allow yourself to grieve.
01:17 It's okay to be upset and there's no time limits on it.
01:21 After all the best prescription for grief is to grieve.
01:25 It's important to note that some people find that their reactions
01:28 to grief don't gradually get better and may even be getting worse.
01:33 This is called complicated or prolonged grief and happens in
01:37 around one in every 10 bereavements.
01:41 If you feel like you've become stuck and you can't move on,
01:44 your doctor may suggest a talking therapy like counselling or
01:48 cognitive behavioural therapy.
01:50 Remember, you don't need to feel guilty or embarrassed about asking for specific
01:55 help from friends, family, colleagues, or your GP. To find out more about how Bupa
02:01 and other organizations can support you.
02:03 Visit our website.
02:06 Whatever's on your mind.
02:08 We can help.
Find Bupa-recognised mental health professionals near you
Our Finder tool lets you browse the directory of Bupa-recognised consultants, psychologists, therapists, counsellors and other professionals.
You don’t need to be a Bupa health insurance customer to see them, just make your own appointment and pay independently.
Support for your mental health and relationships from Bupa’s experts
Our wellbeing platform, Healthy Me, is where you’ll find a wide range of help in coping with relationships.
If you’re in a crisis or just need some help, don’t hesitate. Here are some really helpful organisations that you can turn to for support.
Samaritans
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
Call free day or night on
116 123 (UK and ROI)
Mind
Mind is a charity dedicated to mental health. They exist to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. They’ll listen to you and offer support and advice.
0300 123 3393
Lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays
Mental Health Foundation
This charity helps people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. The ‘Your mental health’ section has lots of useful content, including podcasts about mindfulness and overcoming anxiety.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink offers crisis and recovery services, advocacy, online resources, support groups and much more. Each year, they help tens of thousands of people manage their mental wellbeing.
0300 5000 927
Lines open 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday
Mental health support as part of Bupa health insurance
I’m already a Bupa health insurance customer
If mental health is included in your Bupa health insurance, we may be able to refer you to a consultant or therapist, and you may not even have to see your GP first†. Or we can put you through to one of our mental health nurses.
0808 296 4375^
^Calls may be recorded and to maintain the quality of our service we may monitor some of our calls, always respecting the confidentiality of the call.
I’m not a Bupa customer, but I’d like to find out more about health insurance
If you’re looking for mental health support as part of a broader health insurance policy, we can look after you, your family, or your business.
†Any onward referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are subject to the benefits and exclusions of your cover. Please check your guide and certificate for further details or contact us to check your eligibility.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HZ.
