This proves especially true for higher-earning couples, who may bring stressors from high-stakes positions home from the office with them.<\/p>\n
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A 1992 study popularised the theory of \u201cprimitive emotional contagion\u201d, whereby scientists tracked the phenomenon of humans mirroring social and emotional shifts, and the causal links between intimate partners and mental health outcomes have been studied in a lot of depth since. <\/p>\n
Just this year, researchers at the University of Colorado found negative interpersonal interactions inside relationships create an independent risk factor for developing major depressive episodes that exists outside people\u2019s individual personalities or emotional state, proving that, in a sense, couples are sexually transmitting poor mental health. <\/p>\n
But here\u2019s where things get tricky – because while misery might love company in a relationship, it\u2019s not as simple as putting on a brave face for our beloved in order to protect them from our crappy day. <\/p>\n
News Corp and Medibank\u2019s The State of Mind: Australia\u2019s Mental Health Conversation report, based of a survey of 2565 Australians, found the single biggest barrier to talking about mental health across every single demographic was \u201cnot wanting to burden or worry others\u201d. <\/p>\n
More than a third – 37 per cent – of respondents reported this was a concern, while 28 per cent of Australians named their romantic partner as a primary source of unhelpful or negative responses when trying to discuss their mental health. <\/p>\n
So how do we preserve the sanctity of the vent without worrying we\u2019re transmitting more than our partner bargained for in the process?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most important protective mechanism for people in relationships is to make sure that you maintain your own mental fitness routine,\u201d explains Dr Andrew Wilson, practising psychiatrist and Medibank\u2019s chief clinical officer. \u201cThis enables you to be at your best to engage with and support your partner.\u201d <\/p>\n
Dr Wilson describes \u201cmental fitness\u201d as \u201cregular practices that maintain and enhance mental wellbeing in the same way that physical exercise maintains cardiovascular and brain health\u201d.<\/p>\n
He says those practices can include things like mindfulness meditation, good sleep hygiene and regular social connections which all have demonstrated effects on reducing anxiety, depression and psychological distress. <\/p>\n
\u201cCognitive behavioural techniques such as identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, problem-solving exercises as well as lifestyle factors such as physical exercise, good nutrition and reducing alcohol consumption are also preventative,\u201d Dr Wilson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also very important to make sure that you do mental fitness activities as a couple such as regular shared enjoyable activities which could be as easy as a walk together or a movie. \u201cSome couples find that a regular weekly \u2018check-in\u2019 conversation allows possible problems to be surfaced before they start to impact on the relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Psychologist Ali Sutton said while people often fear they\u2019ll respond incorrectly to mental health conversations, receiving your partner\u2019s concerns doesn\u2019t have to be fraught.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople often worry they\u2019ll say the wrong thing, and so they avoid the conversation altogether or don\u2019t say much at all,\u201d Ms Sutton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe truth is you don\u2019t need the perfect words. What helps most is curiosity, warmth, presence and genuinely listening.\u201d<\/p>\n
She recommends some simple phrases such as \u201cHow long have you been carrying that?\u201d or \u201cWhat would be most helpful for you right now?\u201d or even just \u201cI\u2019m here for you\u201d, can help foster a pragmatic conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal isn\u2019t to have the perfect response,\u201d she clarifies. \u201cThe goal is help someone feel less alone.\u201d<\/p>\n