mental illness is that I know nothing at all.

How to talk to people with anxiety, a handy guide.

My husband says it takes a special person to partner someone with mental illness. I don’t feel special at all, I feel ill-equipped and unprepared. But I knew of his mental illness before we got married, and whilst it was a big concern of his, it has never been a concern of mine when it comes to having a lasting marriage. Do I worry that, with all of his combined health issues, he may not make it past 50 or 60 years of age? Yes. Am I scared that I will be left behind to face the latter half of my life without him? Yes. Are these fears irrational? I don’t know.

What I do know is, no matter what, I will be by his side for the rest of his life. For everything I don’t know about mental illness, that is the one thing I know for sure.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please seek professional help and contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.