“It is likely you have experienced the feeling that no one really understands what you’re going through, even the people closest to you. These feelings are common for people living with chronic illness and can contribute to adverse health outcomes.”
When one person has a chronic illness, the relationship may change especially if the other person becomes a carer. Both people in the relationship can have trouble adjusting to that change.
There are some issues that may develop, which need to be worked through. You may experience stresses such as managing a chronic illness, issues with caring, and responsibilities of domestic duties.
When one person is sick in a relationship, it takes a toll. It is important for the relationship that communication of how the person with the condition wants and needs to be supported when they are well and when they are sick occurs.
A relationship coach may be helpful to sort some of these issues out. Here are some things you may need to work on for your relationship.
- Communication
- Easing of stressful emotions
- Stating your needs
- Watching caregivers health
- Strengthening social connections
- Addressing financial constraints
- Prizing each other
Adapted from WebMD.
Helpful resources
https://www.humankind-relationships.com.au/
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Recovery-and-support/Relationships-sex-after-a-heart-attack
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/relationships-sex
https://endometriosis.net/coping/relationships-sex/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/chronically-me/201902/chronic-illness-and-couples
https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-ways-a-chronic-illness-can-affect-your-relationship/
https://www.msaustralia.org.au/wellbeing-ms/sex-ms
https://themighty.com/2016/03/18-secrets-of-people-who-are-in-a-relationship-and-chronically-ill/