Been married 22 years today. Started dating 25 years ago. Some of us living with mental illness can and do have stable relationships. Some of us need someone else in our lives. My husband and I support each other, help each other, complement each other. Plus, we made a kid, now a young adult.
Not easy. Not by any means. Stressful to love someone with mental illness or another chronic illness. Caretaking is not easy. But, it’s worth it. At least for us it has been.
Important that you express gratitude. I’m thankful for all my husband does for me and our son. Thank you, sweetheart.
Marriage might he harder than the single life. Being single, I know how to plan my day. I am responsible only to myself. Yet I have no one to talk to, sleep with, or share my life with. I am a writer, which is a solitary occupation. I am an outdoorsman too. And I go to church. On that subject, I came out of the closet today at church. I told my assistant minister I was mentally ill and another man, who has his own radio show, the same thing. As is often the case, they thought nothing of it. They treated me the same after the revelation as before it. Felt good to sing like a canary.
Kitt, you are doing well. I survived schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and alcoholism. I did it with close friends, family, minimum wage jobs, and a maniacal pursuit of hobbies. I write, downhill ski, hunt ducks, and fish on the Mississippi River. I play handball and review theater. Check out my blog. I envy your marriage. I have women I love but they are too young of me. It must be nice to have someone to come home to, someone to snuggle up with. I hate sleeping alone but have done it all my life. I hate doing all the thinking. I talk to myself a lot.
Having a partner helps. I’m blessed to have my husband. That said, marriage is not easy.