Relationship Matters: Discussing psychological problems

Our relationships and how we navigate them keep evolving with the times. Often, we find questions or worries so personal that they can only be shared with a stranger, but any random stranger is no real solace! Nor is the advice safe. With that in mind, Star Lifestyle brings to you a brand-new relationship advice column from certified experts. This hopes to tackle the host of worries, questions and forks in roads of the relationships plane that includes the personal, professional to psychological.

Read on for insights, and shoot us your concerns, even anonymously at lifestyleds@yahoo.com, or send us a message on Star Lifestyle's Facebook page.   

"My wife has mental health issues. I was not aware of her bipolar disorder when we got married. The last time my wife went to see the psychiatrist was before the pandemic. She has been taking the same medication for the last 2.5 years. Although she says she feels fine, I have recently observed some changes in her. How can I convince her to go see her Dr?"
— Najmus Sakib

Dear Sakib, I appreciate your concern for your wife and her mental health. It would be helpful if you could share how long ago you were married? You mentioned that your wife was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Currently, she is on medication and refuses follow-up checkups. You also mentioned that you found some changes that concerns you. I would like to know more about the changes. Does she take her medicine regularly? Because medication is mandatory for her recovery. Besides this, counseling can also be helpful for her. You could discuss this with her psychiatrist. To convince her, you could show that you care for her and that her mental health and well-being are a concern for you. You could also share how her illness affects your relationships. As she has been taking the same medication for the last 2.5 years, she might have some serious dependency or health issues which also makes you worried. Try to share how you feel if she visits the psychiatrist for medication. Never forget to give importance to her feelings. What stopped her from going to the doctor? Is there any issue that she wants to share? Listen to her carefully and understand her properly. Be more empathetic to her. Also, you can separately discuss with a psychologist to convince her to take her to the doctor.

The writer is Founder & CEO Moner Bondhu