Managing Marriage and Mental Health “Combatting Anxiety and Depression in Order to Improve Communication, Trust, and Intimacy in Marriage”Sample

Healing is your Portion!

As my good friend, Dr. Cerrissa Hugie likes to say, “Permission to Reveal is Permission to Heal.”

When I speak of healing here, I am not necessarily referring to the physical (external) component. I’m also not dismissing the possibility of recovery for those suffering from mental illnesses.

It’s hard to face the truth about what’s going on with your partner and marriage, but accepting the realities is the only way to free your marriage from its present state of uncertainty, frustration, and stress. Facing the facts can open the doorway for an abundance of tools and resources that can empower you. 

You must be careful in not brushing off or dismissing your spouse because you believe things like anxiety and depression are trivial, and everyone deals with them. One of the worst things you can do is be inconsiderate and lack empathy toward your spouse simply because you don’t understand it.

Mental health is rarely if ever, mentioned in many societies. Over the years, sharing about mental health has become more widespread, but many are still denying its existence and impact in their lives. There is still a lot of disparity and negative stigma associated with mental disorders. 

You cannot conquer what you do not confront, and for your marriage to experience any level of normalcy, some level of treatment is required. There are many treatments for anxiety and depression that can aid in the healing process. To sit in silence and suffer is not fair to you or your loved ones. To do nothing at all is unfair to you and your loved ones.

Understandably, there may be a level of shame, embarrassment, judgment, or fear of rejection that may come with you or your spouse seeking help, and considering the alternative of not getting treatment must not be taken lightly.

In a bible verse, Jesus declares that he did not come to be served but to serve others. Ironically, that fits well here as well. Ask yourself the question, am I doing everything necessary and within my power to serve my spouse in helping them to live and be well? Serving can merely look like support and encouragement. Serving can also look like informing and educating yourself and or your spouse. Once you both have a clearer understanding of what is ahead, you will be more open to opportunities that foster healthier communication and intimacy amid your perseverance in managing marriage and mental health.

Whether you’re fighting anxiety, depression, or anything else, be encouraged that God will always fight your battles. The one you are fighting now, you have already won it!

Reflection: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17. Mental Disorders can be scary because they come with a lot of uncertainty and anguish. Be encouraged that even through doubt and pain, the Lord is right there with you. He promised never to leave or forsake you. Whether you or your spouse is suffering through a mental crisis, seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him because he is near.