How To Support Your Partner When They're Dealing With A Health Crisis

One of the most beautiful facets of a relationship has to be this unsaid but intensely felt feeling: when in a relationship, whatever your partner deals with, you deal with and vice-versa. The same applies to any sort of health crisis they're dealing with.

With a cold, flu, period pain or even a muscle injury, all short-term illnesses, what they probably require most is a hot bowl of soup, some chocolate, the correct medication and a reassuring text. Chronic illnesses and mental health problems, on the other hand, take longer to go away. Sometimes even a lifetime.

So, if your partner has been diagnosed with an illness, itĄ¯s imperative that you know how to handle it in a healthy way. One day for both of you deal with it with a whole lot of understanding.

ItĄ¯s difficult to admit this but such illnesses demand a lot from those affected including the people who love them.

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Here are some ways to show your partner support when they need it most:

1. DonĄ¯t try and make it better because, let's be honest, you canĄ¯t.

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You need to realise that no matter what you do, you canĄ¯t fix your partnerĄ¯s problems. You're a different individual, and while you claim to feel exactly what they're feeling, you don't really know the truth. Dealing with an illness can be an extremely personal affair. The best you can do in such a situation is show your partner support while taking care of the fact that you don't overstep boundaries.

Communication is key when it comes to any relationship. Experts recommend that you talk to your partner about what they need from you. Do they need you to listen? Do they need you around to feel better without feeling overly dependent? Do they need your help figuring out the what medical treatment is best for them? In the end, you're both wishing for your partner's speedy recovery, so keep the healthy conversations going.

2. Research, research and then research some more.

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Most people don't like explaining their illness to people they don't want to. But that changes when it's your partner who's suffering from an illness. If you're clueless about their condition for no fault of your own, there's a possibility your partner could feel you donĄ¯t care enough. Experts suggest learning a little about their condition with some research; it can give you an idea of what to expect. This research could even help out in case there's ever an emergency and they need immediate attention.

3. Empower your partner.

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If your partner is unable to carry out even the simplest of tasks that doesnĄ¯t mean you have to save them everytime by doing things for them. DonĄ¯t baby them. DonĄ¯t make them feel like a victim of circumstances. But what you can do is encourage them and empower them. Help them keep their faith. Help them make decisions, even in matters of career, home or family. But don't forget it's their choice in the end and you're there to support them.

4. Encourage them to seek treatment.

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No illness is just going to go away. Your partner needs love and proper care for sure, but major healing and well-being can only take place with the right medical treatment. If your partner refuses treatment or medication for whatever reason, you need to step in and have a healthy discussion about seeking proper medical attention. And however you convince them, don't lose patience.

5. Let them know itĄ¯s okay if they donĄ¯t want to talk about it.

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ItĄ¯s absolutely okay if your partner doesnĄ¯t want to talk about their condition. Sometimes, even talking can take a lot out of a person, and you need to remember that. You donĄ¯t have to fill in the gaps whenever there's silence. Respect the silence. While your intention is to help your partner get through this, itĄ¯s important you give them space. It's essential to the process of healing.

6. DonĄ¯t let the illness define your relationship.

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Overtime, the illness may begin to feel like the 'third-wheel' in your relationship but it really doesnĄ¯t have to be. Your relationship, like any other relationship, can also defined by love, mutual respect and happiness. Continue spending time with each other, and do the small things together like picking up groceries etc. that aren't exactly exciting but will bring a sense of normalcy to your relationship.

Dealing with any illness, short-term or long-term can be overwhelming but the road to recovery is much easier when you deal with it as a team.