How To Be Supportive Of Your Partner With Depression

Standing on the sidelines as a partner battles depression can make you feel powerless. You may be perplexed, frustrated, and overwhelmed.You may believe that every attempt you make to “assist your partner is either rejected or, worse, disregarded. You might even start to feel responsible for your partner’s depression.

Depression can be an isolating condition that can harm relationships and leave loved ones feeling helpless and fearful.

Major depression is frequently described as gloomy, hopeless, discouraged, or down, but it can also contain persistent anger. Outbursts of rage and blaming others are typical. Social disengagement and a lack of interest or pleasure are prominent symptoms of depression. Family members note that depressed persons no longer seem to care about finding joy.

All of these variables can make determining how to assist a sad partner challenging. However, your assistance is critical. You can’t cure your partner’s sadness, but you can help him or her get back on track.

Signs Your Spouse Is Depressed

There are a variety of actions that could signal that your partner is depressed. You may notice that they are eating or drinking differently, acting sullenly, or are isolating themselves. They may avoid making eye contact with you. Some people get obsessed with single activities or hobbies, or even obsessive behaviors such as buying automobiles or recklessly spending large sums of money. Learn more about the symptoms of depression at https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/depression/.

Your significant other may suddenly begin to:

• Frequently cry or appear irritated

• Lack of energy or enthusiasm for activities

• Lose attention or concentration

• Sleep more frequently or very little

• Consume more alcohol than usual or engage in drug use

• Lose an interest in sex

How To Support Them

Be There For Them

You may believe that the best thing you can do for your partner is to discover the best available treatment in your town, join support groups, or talk to other people dealing with depression to find out what “works,” but often the best thing you can do is simply show up.

You don’t have all the answers, and that’s fine; all you can do is sit back and listen. You can be present by holding your partner’s hand, giving hugs, and being present.

Suggest They Seek Treatment

For many people suffering from depression, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily activities such as work, school, social engagements, or relationships. Others, on the other hand, may be unaware that they are depressed. They may be unaware of the indications of depression and believe that their feelings are simply something they must live with.

People all too often believe that they only need to will themselves better, yet depression rarely improves without treatment. You can assist your partner by encouraging treatment and attending appointments.

Support Them At Home

It’s critical to realize that your partner’s depression is not your responsibility. While you cannot change anything, your support will assist your partner in getting through this difficult period.

During the therapeutic process, changes in lifestyle can make a significant effect. Because depression saps one’s vitality and interferes with sleep and eating, it can be difficult for depressed people to make good decisions.

Concentrate on eating healthily. In order to encourage healthier food choices, get your partner involved in meal planning and cooking. Exercise with them, as exercise on a daily basis might lift their spirits. Plan a daily walk or bike ride to motivate them to get back into shape. Positive reinforcement should be given as well. When people are hopeless, they tend to be severe on themselves. To help your partner see how far they’ve come, highlight your partner’s strengths and places for improvement.

Focus On Taking Baby Steps

Depression can be extremely overpowering. When someone is seriously depressed, even getting out of bed can feel like an impossible chore.

You can assist your partner by defining and recognising minor goals and everyday accomplishments. Breaking down larger chores, such as applying for new employment, into smaller ones—such as updating resumes, writing cover letters, and researching potential positions—might assist your partner in taking baby steps toward returning to normal daily activities. Focus on getting out of bed, taking a shower, and eating a healthy meal for folks who struggle to get out of bed every day. Your partner will most likely improve with treatment, but you will need to be patient and understanding while he or she is going through a depressive episode.

This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.