Dating demands our partners to take on a package that is our health issues. Similarily, when an individual dates a person with young children they are accepting them as a package. Likewise, these packages come in all sorts. However, when should we disclose our diagnosis? This is an ongoing question that has many unique answers.
Disclosure is about Gaining Empathy
It's important we disclose. It's kind of like having a child and dating. We should share that information. Disclosing has many advantages. It answers a lot of the why's and provides a clearer picture. For example, a single parent might need to afford a babysitter. Minimize late night dates. Either include their child on the date or exclude them which requires tough decision-making and need for discussion.
Adding clarity to the relationship by disclosing the facts about living with this condition creates understanding. Disclosure is about gaining empathy. This health issue was inherited and is nobody's fault. There are many challenges to living with schizophrenia. Recognizing when we need more support to reduce risk of crisis is important.
What Does Schizophrenia Look Like for You?
Self-care is essential to managing recovery. For instance, getting enough rest is vital. Lack of sleep can trigger the worsening of symptoms. Excessive alcohol and drug use will reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Following a medication schedule helps control symptoms. Creating a self-care routine is helpful to maintain balance. Our partners need to know these things to allow our relationship to become organic.
It's best to disclose your diagnosis prior to intimacy. This provides great timing of disclosure because it allows an individual to stay authentic. While being mindful that dating someone with a diagnosis requires a lot of work. Our partners need to learn more about schizophrenia and how it impacts you, because everybody is different. Symptom flare-ups may occur. What does that look like? How can your partner assist you during rough times? These are some topics you may discuss.
However, one of the top questions will be: are you violent? This is a common question I've dealt with a lot. These conversations are important and may make you feel uncomfortable. Yet, it's best to tackle them head-on.
These discussions go smoother when you know yourself better. What are your triggers? What are some warning signs that would let me know you need more support? How can I be a part of the solution than problem when you're in crisis? What does a crisis look like?
Mary Ellen Copeland's WRAP
These questions are fair and deserve consideration. Still, the questions might be hard to answer especially if you're newly diagnosed. One tool that could help us determine the ins and outs of our recovery needs is having a crisis plan. Mary Ellen Copeland's Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) can help you pinpoint different factors and develop helpful responses. The WRAP will ask how are you on a good day? A bad day? What are signs that things are breaking down? Who would you want to be a part of your crisis plan?
Conclusion
Disclosure is essential to dating. There are many benefits to disclosing - empathy to reduce the stigma and understanding your way of life. It's best to share your diagnosis prior to intimacy and give your partner the choice to either consider and accept your package or not. At the same, you will need to learn how to cope with your recovery to better manage your partner's package, too...
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