When a child or young adult struggles with their mental health, it is not just that person, but the whole family that gets affected.  You and your spouse or partner may find yourselves arguing a great deal about the type of treatment that your child should receive.  Here are some tips to help you to overcome this struggle:

1. Make time for romance:  If your child is struggling, chances are you and your spouse/partner are talking about it a lot.  It is so important that you both take breaks and don't let this subject become the center of your relationship.  Go out for a romantic dinner, and make the subject of your child off limits for the night.  This will help to revive the romance. 

2. Do your research:  When a child is struggling with their mental health, many parents go with their instincts about how the child should be treated without learning what the experts are recommending.  In order to be on the same page with your spouse/ partner about your child's treatment, make sure that it is something evidence-based rather than just based on your own opinion.  This may help you and your partner to agree if the experts are recommending it. 

3.  Be consistant at home:  Talk to your spouse about the rules that you think are important to implement regarding your child's behavior, and vice versa.  You don't want a good cop, bad cop situation, where your child tries to go to one parent to override the other parent's rules.  This can create a lot of marital strife.  Instead, come up with rules that you both agree upon, and stick to them. 

And always remember that ultimately, you and your spouse/ partner have the same goal- your child's mental health.  You are on the same team, and it is important to recognize and acknowledge that to each other. 

Be Well~

Emily