Deepika Padukone's Counsellor On How To Help A Partner Struggling With Mental Illness

A relationship can get tough when your partner is going through a hard time in life. Not only does it put a strain on the person going through the ordeal but the whole thing can be quite tough for the other person in the relationship to deal with. This is especially true if your partner is dealing with some form of mental illness such as depression, anxiety, etc. It is a trying time for both the people in the relationship. The person dealing with mental illness needs support and sometimes their partner may feel confused as to what needs to be done.

(Also Read: Deepika Padukone's Advice On Depression: 'Share. So What If People Judge You?')

We asked Anna Chandy, Chairperson of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, about what one should keep in mind when dealing with a partner going through a mental illness. Ms Chandy has more than 18 years of experience in development work, counselling, coaching and mentoring. Anna is also Deepika Padukone’s counsellor. She helped the actress battle depression back in 2014.

(Also Read: Deepika Padukone's Foundation Is Posting The ABC Of Mental Health. This Is Important)

In 2015, Deepika shared her experience of fighting depression and the stigma around mental health in India. She then went on to start The Live Love Laugh Foundation, a non-profit organisation working with issues around mental health.

Here are the things Anna Chandy advises one to keep in mind when dealing with a partner suffering from depression or a mental illness.

- It is essential that utmost attention is paid to your partner. “Pay attention to your partner, discuss their thoughts and feelings,” says Ms Chandy. “Observe their moods and empathise with them.”

- Don’t shy away from reaching out to get more help. “Encourage your partner to take professional support and make sure you assure them that recovery is possible and will happen,” adds Anna. But that is not all. “As a caregiver, please take professional support yourself,” she says.

- Anna Chandy also urges partners of those battling depression to remember a very key point. “Keep in mind that depression is a medical illness. You must remember that neither you nor your partner have caused it. Remember that both you and your partner need to live healthy by getting adequate sleep and exercise.”