Emotional disorders are any type of disorder which affects the sufferer's emotions, for example schizophrenia or s specific form of anxiety. While these disorders begin with a neurological problem (within the brain, perhaps due to hormone dysfunction or a change in brain structure) and can often be calmed with medication, there's no shying away from the fact that they can have a devastating effect on social relationships.

Left undiagnosed it can be incredibly difficult for both relatives and friends of a sufferer to understand why a person is the way they are. Emotional disorders like anxiety can be very well covered up and only symptoms like a reluctance to socialize become apparent. As a result people may assume they're rude or weird, when in fact they're suffering a lot more than they show. Unfortunately undiagnosed emotional disorders often alienate people, which is exactly the opposite of what they need to overcome them. Social interaction, trying new things and building confidence in ones self are all essential for mental stimulation and health, so if you suspect someone is suffering from a mental disorder, try not to avoid them or make it obvious that this is what you're doing.

Anxiety is one of the most common emotional disorders, but the term is actually used to describe a variety of specific disorders such as social anxiety, specific phobias, agoraphobia, health anxiety and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Someone with health anxiety may have problems maintaining romantic relationships or a sexual relationship because they are scared of catching sexually transmitted diseases. Even though they and their partner have had GUM clinic tests they might repeatedly ask their partner to go back and check they're still okay, or refuse to have sex until they do. They might also repeatedly ask their partner to feel parts of their body to check they are 'normal' (commonly the lymph nodes) which can become frustrating when the partner knows there's nothing wrong. Someone with an unusual phobia, for instance a phobia of birds, may also put pressure on their relationship when the couple go on dates or are out in public and there is a bird nearby. They might flee to the other side of the road to get away, or be unable to carry on a conversation for fear that a bird will fly past.

The important thing for coping with emotional disorders is firstly to have them recognized and accepted by both the individual and the people around them. Secondly, they should get a definitive diagnosis from a medical professional and seek treatment. All the while these things are happening the people that the sufferer forms relationships with need to be very patient and supportive. It may be difficult, but this is what that person needs and severing a relationship with them may not only be very damaging, but also completely unnecessary. It could be a matter of 3 to 4 weeks before a person's anxious or depressive symptoms clear after taking medication.

If you are suffering from an emotional disorder and find it hard to maintain familial, social and romantic relationships then spend time talking about it to a therapist, who may take you through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, hypnosis or simple therapy to find a way of socializing that works for you. Don't give up and hide away, or you could make your condition worse.

Stan Tian

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