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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Anxiety vs relationship issues.

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Mental Health Mental Illness
    I am currently diagnosed as having anxiety and postnatal depression. My children are now 2 and 4. I am on medication to help with my anxiety after horrible feelings to leave my children thinking they will be better off without me. Lately, I feel in a lost state of confusion, not knowing whether I have mental health issues, or just relationship issues with a partner who is not very supportive in my mental well-being, by being negative towards me and saying negative comments which I am very sensitive to. I am taking a 150mg dose of venlafaxine, and am tired of being told by my partner I have schizophrenia and am on a schizophrenic medication. I don't know what to do next. I am seeing a psychologist regularly, and have medical check ups with my GP. I feel tired, lost, confused. I would appreciate any advice to help me move forward and get better back to my normal self. Hopefully, I have explained my situation enough for someone to get an idea of where I am at mentally. Thank you.
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    Vivienne Colegrove

    Counsellor

    I have been working in Eltham, Melbourne as a relationship and family counsellor for over twelve years. I draw on current theory and research about … View Profile

    It may be helpful to resist the temptation to decide that the cause of problems are either relational or due to your mental health - perhaps support to manage BOTH of these may be a good idea? A skilled counsellor will help you and your partner think about ways of communicating and resolving conflict which don't put as much strain on either of you mentally or emotionally. Counselling can also help partners understand, make sense of and learn helpful ways of coping with a loved one's mental health issues.

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    Frank Breuer

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    I tend to say that depression and anxiety affects the whole family not just the symptom bearer. Firstly, I would agree that it's probably helpful to acknowledge both mental health issues and relationship issues need addressing, for the whole family to eventually get better.

    Negativity is contagious, breaking the cycle is key. Social support and perhaps practical help in the household might be something to reach out for, also counselling on a weekly basis can help, to identify and implement strategies. 

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    Mr Max von Sabler

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    http://www.mvsgroup.com.au/ Max is a clinical psychologist working in the public and private health sectors. He currently holds several appointments at Monash Health where he provides … View Profile

    Hi there,

    Firstly, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles! Often these issues can be interralated, or they can become interrelated. I would recommend talking to your GP or psychologst in the first instance, as they may be able to help you clarify.

    In my experience, mentla health issues and relationship troubles are intimately connected. It isn't necessarily a case of chicken or egg (as in which came first), but that they interract.

    I hope this is of some help. Best wishes, Max.

    http://www.mvsgroup.com.au/

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