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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

First Things First: Research tells us how and why intimate relationships affect mental health

Lauren Hall
Lauren Hall Lauren Hall

“I think my spouse is depressed. How do I support them?”

“I’m single and depressed. Will I ever find love?”

“My relationship is unhealthy, and it’s taking a toll. What should I do?”

These are just a few of the questions we hear regularly at First Things First about mental health concerns and intimate relationships. Which leads us to ask an even bigger question: How and why do intimate relationships affect mental health?

(READ MORE: 3 reasons you’re not crazy for caring about your mental health)