Mental health is a factor in any relationship. To have a healthy relationship, it is important to be aware of some of the pitfalls that can occur. This post is specifically for LGBT relationships but some concepts may be applicable to any dating couple. The LGBT community faces additional hardships in relationships due to the societal implications of being open about one’s sexual orientation. A concept which one day should not matter, in today’s dating world there are things to be discussed regarding anxiety and depression within an LGBT relationship.
- Anxieties about being openly out or closeted.
Every person has a different coming out experience. Some prefer to remain in the closet and have their reasons for not coming out. Whatever your status, the best relationships are those where the person you are dating is in the same phase of either closeted or openly out. Without agreements on how open to be about being in a relationship, animosity can develop. One or both partners can become dissatisfied in the relationship while they see the other person as more satisfied with their status.
- Depression with abandonment issues and moving too fast.
Many people face real abandonment possibilities when coming out. People’s families may disown them or friends may distance themselves. Having abandonment issues can lead to falling too hard too fast. It can also lead to an unhealthy attempt to please your partner, trying to do anything to make sure they do not leave you. If you find yourself compromising or giving in too frequently, you may have abandonment issues within your relationship.
- Codependency in LGBT relationships.
Codependency is a common occurrence in any relationship. Lesbian relationships have a stereotype of moving too quickly into cohabitation and the merging of lives. Males have more of a reputation of not being exclusive with one sexual partner. All members of the community can be at risk of entering a codependent relationship if we are not careful. Some red flags of co-dependency include being the peacekeeper, over accommodating, being caregiver to your partner, feeling anxieties often in the relationship, and feeling trapped in the relationship.
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