How Can Romantic Relationships Work With a Mentally Ill Person?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales discuss the potentially disastrous effects of mental illness on romantic relationships, especially those in which one individual has a mental illness and the other does not. Drawing from their own failed marriages (two each), Gabe and Vincent talk about the role mental illness played in the ending of the relationships, including when they were undiagnosed or diagnosed but with little or no treatment. Gabe also shares advice for those in such relationships on how to minimize the impact of mental illness on the relationships themselves, based on his successful third marriage.   MENTAL ILLNESS IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:40]   What are the difficulties in having a relationship with a mentally ill person? [2:51]   Examining the role of mental illness in Gabe’s marriages. [9:00] Examining the role of mental illness in Vincent’s marriages. [10:41] Honesty and education about mental illness are vital for relationships. [13:43] Making mistakes in the relationships. [14:16] What a potential romantic partner needs to know before becoming involved.