Experiencing a romantic relationship with someone who has mental health difficulties : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study explored the lived experience of heterosexual individuals who were in a romantic relationship with someone who experienced mental health (MH) difficulties. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was the qualitative methodology that was used to explore this phenomenon. As a data collection tool, in-depth semi-structured individual interviews were used. The sample was comprised of six participants (four females and two males). Participant recruitment was done through local MH organisations and Facebook groups. The findings captured how the participants’ experience of the relationship, and how their emotional wellbeing was impacted. The participants’ accounts reflected the significant changes that their relationships underwent over time, and the potential challenges they envisioned in their future including conflict management, planning a future together and building a family. Participants also recalled experiencing a sense of feeling trapped in the relationship. A recurring theme that emerged was that participants felt that their needs were secondary to those of their partners, leading to a one-sided relationship. Moreover, participants reported a decline in sexual and romantic interest in their partner, as they adopted caring roles. Participants also reflected on the lack of support they received, which led them to feel isolated and forgotten. Implications for clinical practice elicited from the findings of this research study suggest that psychoeducation, support groups, and couple therapy could be beneficial for the partners of individuals experiencing MHCs. Suggestions for future research studies were also outlined, including the exploration of the phenomenon amongst non-heteronormative individuals.