MHM Magazine

Issue 2 | 2023 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 21 MHM SN Mthembu Clinical Psychologist sn_mthembu@centeredconsciousness.co.za Charcoal-stained lips, petechial haemorrhages, and pumped stomachs are a common occurrence in the acute wards of public and private hospitals. These markers and treatments are common for individuals who have ingested toxic chemicals, an overdose of medication, and/or have unsuccessfully tried to hang themselves. These, all in attempts to end their lives and frequently due to conflict or a dissolution of a romantic relationship. In the same breath, we often see individuals present to casualty with stab wounds, abrasions, bruises, blisters, contusions, and periorbital haematomas (popularly known as a black eye) amongst others. All markers of physical abuse falling under frequently discussed topics of Gender Based Violence and Battered Woman Syndrome in South Africa as well as globally. At the core of these medical occurrences and socio issues lies mental health in relationships. Relationships immensely impact daily life and can contribute to well- being; they can also, however, be the reason for poor mental health. This is because individuals commonly enter relationships without having done enough mental work on themselves, resulting in verbal and physical conflict in relationships. In addition, individuals may enter relationships with maladaptive attachment styles formed from childhood or previously abusive relationships perpetuating a cycle of mental instability and abuse. This article endeavours to explicate the inner workings of the self in relationships and how the self, intertwining with another individual may lead to mental breakdown in a relationship and or after a breakup (divorce, termination of a romantic/ committed relationship). MENTAL HEALTH IN RELATIONSHIPS AND SUICIDE ATTEMPTS