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Illness & Romantic Relationships
By Kerrie Smyres | February 26, 2013
Chronic illness takes a massive toll on romantic relationships, particularly because one’s partner is also usually their caregiver. Unfortunately, there’s not much helpful information on the topic; even academic research is sparse. You can help by completing a short survey (it took me 10 minutes) on the impact of migraine on one’s life and relationships, conducted by headache specialist Dawn Marcus and researchers from the University of Pittsburgh. The survey closes this Thursday, February 28.
Here are a few resources on illness and relationships:
- Teri Robert’s Valentine’s Day post, Migraines and Our Relationships, covers all kinds of relationships, though many suggestions apply well to romantic relationships. Of particular note are not hiding how you really feel physically and showing appreciation.
- In Sickness As in Health blogger and therapist Barbara Kivowitz and her writing partner Roanne Weisman have a soon-to-be released book about couples and chronic illness. You can learn about In Sickness As in Health: Helping Couples Cope With the Complexities of Illness and preorder it now. Check out the blog for helpful information in the meantime.
- In Is Your Caregiver Self-Absorbed and Manipulative?, Toni Bernhard interviews Meredith Resnick about how the principles in her book Narcissism: Surviving the Self-Involved apply to those with chronic illness.
Topics: Chronic Migraine, Coping, Friends & Family | 1 Comment »
February 26th, 2013 at 4:29 am
Thanks for pitching our survey. We learn the most when more people share their experiences. Thanks to all who have participated for helping teach us doctors more about your migraines and the toll they can take on your lives.