Keeping a mental health issue from your partner

[HikerShawn]

Would any of you (or do you or have you) keep a mental health issue you have from your partner?

As in, not tell them you have an issue and keep it secret?

Why or why not?

 

[Nomad]

My spouse has anxiety issue, even though she is fine now, once she was under medication. If I share anything bad, that will trigger her anxiety, therefore, I always keep my mental health issue with myself. Sometimes when I feel a need to talk, I will always talk to my elder sister, and sometimes with father.

 

[Hazel]

Keeping a mental health issue from your partner is often driven by fear of burdening them or being judged. But long term secrecy can strain trust and intimacy. Honest, paced conversations usually strengthen relationships and allow shared support, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

 

[Master-one]

Well, when your partner is not that co-operative, you start keeping secrets. I am on antidepressants, but I would not let my partner to know that I consume antidepressants and antipsychotics because I simply do not want to be judged in a negative manner.

 

[Shree]

Some people keep mental health struggles from their partners out of fear of judgment, wanting to protect them, or not wanting to feel vulnerable. While understandable, it can create distance or stress, opening up, even gradually, often leads to better support and understanding.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Nope I never do this my wife and I are both honest with each other and whenever we're not doing great mentally or physically we tell each other. She has a harder time but she's been getting better about this. It's not good to keep it in, I know it's tough to tell someone how you feel when you're really deep in depression or dealing with other things but it's good to let it out.

 

[Gizmo]

I don't necessarily keep mental health issues from my partner but sometimes I won't tell them the full extent of what's going on and I need to learn how to open up more. I'm doing a lot better than I used to. I'm sure they're the same though.

 

[Ciri]

Personally, I wouldn’t keep something like that secret from a partner. Mental health is a big part of someone’s life, and hiding it can create distance or misunderstandings in a relationship. Being open allows both people to understand each other better and offer support when it’s needed. That said, I can understand why some people might keep it private at first. They may fear judgment, rejection, or being treated differently.

 

[Shortie]

I have always been open and honest with my spouse about my mental health, as I feel that is always the better option rather than keeping it from them and causing issues in the relationship.

In some cases, some spouses do not always understand, but when they do, it can make a huge difference to have someone who understands and who you can talk to when you need to.