Supporting a Partner with Mental Illness: Love, Communication, and Resilience

In this heartfelt episode, we hear from Becca, who lives with bipolar disorder, and her husband Joe, who has been her partner and primary support for nearly two decades. Together, they share the highs and lows of navigating marriage while facing the challenges of mental illness, including depression, mania, hospitalization, and recovery.

Their story highlights the power of honest communication, unconditional love, and resilience. Joe offers insight into how partners can support without trying to “fix,” while Becca explains what she has learned about expressing her struggles and protecting her relationship.

Listeners will walk away with practical advice for supporting a loved one with mental health challenges, the importance of healthy boundaries, and the reminder that strong relationships are built on understanding, compassion, and mutual respect.

Link to Rebecca Lombardo's website: https://www.rebeccalombardo.com/

Primary Topics Covered:

• The realities of living with bipolar disorder and depression in a marriage.
• Overcoming fear and stigma when first learning about a partner’s diagnosis.
• The importance of open communication in relationships affected by mental illness.
• Why partners should focus on support, not fixing.
• The value of boundaries, respect, and compassion for both people in the relationship.
• Lessons Becca and Joe have learned after nearly 17 years of marriage.

Timestamps:

00:45 – Introducing the episode and its focus on relationships and mental health
 01:22 – Becca’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder and Joe’s role as her support
 01:43 – Why they chose to share their story after 17 years of marriage
 02:23 – Joe on fear, ignorance, and choosing to love beyond diagnosis
 03:23 – What Joe sees in Becca beyond her illness
 04:29 – Becca shares her suicide attempt and hospitalization
 05:23 – Joe describes the trauma of her forced commitment
 06:23 – The role of communication during difficult times
 07:45 – Why people with depression don’t need fixing, just listening
 08:37 – Joe’s lesson: supporting without trying to solve everything
 09:04 – Asking “What can I do?” even when no fix exists
 10:19 – Navigating conflicts, forgiveness, and real-life challenges
 10:59 – Boundaries and respect in supporting a partner
 11:31 – Why communication remains the foundation of their relationship
 12:44 – Their advocacy on social media and #KeepTalkingMH
 13:22 – Lessons of resilience, empathy, and compassion from lived experience
 14:47 – The value of honesty and boundaries, even in public advocacy
 15:04 – Closing thoughts and gratitude to Becca and Joe

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