Depression in Relationships

Depression in relationships is, unfortunately, becoming more and more common in this day and age.

Relationships with people who have depression are usually accompanied by a mix of emotions and many questions.

Depression: How does it make a person feel? What does it feel like to feel depressed? Do you know what you can do to help them through a difficult time? What impact will their symptoms and treatment have on your relationship?

How to Cope with Depression in Relationships

We all know that relationships can be challenging and require a lot of work. We become vulnerable as we learn to trust one another in relationships. Depression can, however, heighten these challenges and make a relationship more vulnerable and distrustful when someone in a relationship has it.

Any new relationship involves learning about each other’s sensitivities and working out problems, but depression can introduce extreme, unpredictable, and sometimes intractable sensitivities.

It is possible for someone who is depressed to be happy in their relationship despite being clinically depressed. Depression is not simply a bad day or feelings of sadness- it is a severe mental illness that can lead to serious health problems and irreparable damage.

As a result of depression, loneliness and detachment can cause severe trouble in relationships. Two people in a relationship can feel extremely frustrated when one partner suffers from depression, and sometimes the other suffers from debilitating exhaustion or hopelessness.

The symptoms of depression can differ in each individual since no two are alike. The symptoms of depression can take many forms. Anxiety, guilt, and worthlessness can result from it. When depression goes untreated, it can cause a continuous pattern of damaging behaviors that ultimately destroy relationships.

We go through several tips that can help you or your loved one navigate the relationship if one of you is suffering from depression.

Learn What Your Partner is Going Through

Understanding depression’s causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you support your loved one. Do a quick Internet search yourself to find a few reputable sources on depression, or ask your partner’s doctor for some recommendations.

Here are some reputable sources:

Distinguish What is Fact or Fiction

Depression is plagued by many myths. Depression, for instance, is not the result of laziness or weakness. Pain isn’t always “just in their heads.”

Depression does not need any specific reason to exist. To overcome preconceived ideas and stigma about depression, educate yourself on the topic as previously mentioned.

This genuine and biologically based illness can be treated the same way as any other illness, so it is essential to validate your partner’s feelings and experiences.

Depressive conditions can also be associated with suicide, so keep your loved one’s environment as safe as possible (such as removing all alcohol, drugs, and guns) and take any suicidal thoughts seriously.

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance if you or your loved one is suffering from suicidal thoughts and ideations. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

Take Care of Yourself Too

When dealing with someone else’s depression can be highly stressful. There is nothing wrong with taking some time out for yourself. The act of self-care is not selfish. Both of you will benefit from taking time to care for your mind, body, and spirit.

Some habits and hobbies that can help include:

Take care of your diet
Exercising
A good night’s sleep is essential
Have fun doing your favorite hobbies and activities
Engage in prayer or meditation
Engage in relaxation techniques
Get out in nature
Keep in touch with your friends

It may also be necessary to know when it’s time to say goodbye so you can take care of yourself. If your safety or emotional well-being is in jeopardy, it is likely that you will need to walk away (ideally with the help of a mental health professional).

Get Help and Support

Feeling frustrated, angry, and upset is okay when someone close to you is depressed. Nevertheless, you must ensure that these feelings don’t fester and grow.

Psychologists, counselors, and support groups are not just for those with depression. You can gain more control over your emotions by reaching out to a professional to help you. You can vent your frustrations and recognize your own emotional needs when you seek professional help.

In addition to answering any questions about coping with depression, therapy can also help you learn ways to cope with your depression. During this challenging time, you will need the support of your support network, no matter whether you decide to seek professional help.

Be There

You are there for someone depressed, and verbalizing your support is one of the most important things you can do for them. Let them share their feelings while you hold them close.

Family and friends and extremely important during this phase.

Make appointments with them or assist them with some household chores that they lack the motivation to do. While they are recovering, let them know you are there to help in whatever way they need.

Don’t Take the Actions Personally

People who suffer from depression often act in ways they wouldn’t normally do when feeling well. They may become irritable, angry, or withdrawn. There might not be a lot of interest in doing things with you like they used to. There is a possibility that your significant other will lose interest in sex.

There is nothing personal about these things, and they do not indicate that your partner no longer cares for or about you. It is a symptom of the illness that needs treatment.

Help Them Out

As with any other illness, a person may simply not feel well enough to pay the bills or clean the house. You may also temporarily have to do some of their daily tasks until they feel well enough to do them again, just as with any illness.

Treatment is Key

Depression treatment is vital to a person’s recovery. By helping your loved ones remember to take their medicines and keep appointments, you can help them stay healthy. They can also benefit from being reassured that asking for help is not a weakness and is nothing to be ashamed of.

Offer Them Genuine Hope

Whenever you can, remind them of their reasons for living, whatever these reasons may be. Children, a beloved pet, or faith may be the reasons. They may be able to hold on for a bit longer until the pain subsides for these reasons, which are unique to each individual.

Demonstrate How and Why You Love Them

An individual suffering from depression may feel worthless and feel they are unable to get support and love. Make sure your partner knows that you love them by constantly telling and showing them. Please express that you understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors resulting from depression and that you (still) love them. Ensure that they know you are here to help them on their road to recovery.

Help Someone You Love With Depression

One study found that when a couple suffers from depression, the other partner is highly affected. Research shows in an August 2010 study published in BMC Public Health found that spouses of people with mental illnesses, including depression, were more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression themselves.

When a person suffers from major depression, they can profoundly affect each other in their relationship, and their entire family can suffer as well. It is possible to support someone close to you who is suffering from depression in positive ways. You don’t just have to survive the storm. Hope and healing are possible with some treatments.

Understanding that a family member or friend is depressed is complex for us. It can also become physically overwhelming if you neglect your health.

Nevertheless, a loved one’s recovery can be significantly impacted by your support. It is beneficial to have a companion to be there. You should remember that your loved one is not unmotivated or lazy. To get someone you love who is suffering from depression the help they need is one of the best things you can do for them.

Our team at Enhance Health Group is dedicated to putting you on the road to health with the best in diagnosis and treatment. We provide our patients with compassionate care, thoughtful consideration, and comprehensive services using an integrated approach for holistic wellness. Get the help you need for yourself or your loved one. Contact us today for therapy for depression and your treatment options.