Living with depression can be challenging for various reasons, including making it more difficult to maintain positive relations with those around us. After all, many of the symptoms associated with depression — such as fatigue, low energy, and mood swings — make managing all aspects of life more challenging. Those difficulties become all the more pronounced when there’s a romantic partner or close friend involved.
While managing depression and a relationship can be challenging, there are tools and strategies that can make it easier. By making a proactive investment in yourself and your relationships, you can ensure that both you and your loved ones continue to have positive relations.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how depression affects relationships, and also run through some handy coping strategies that both the person living with depression and their loved ones can use.
Depression is one of the world’s most common mental illnesses. In the United States alone, more than twenty million people — 8% of the population — experience depression each year.
Depression can have a significant impact on how we think, act, and feel. When we’re in a negative state of mind, it becomes more difficult to do the things that are required to be a good partner or friend. Happily, there are a host of things that anyone can do to manage their condition and prevent it from having a negative impact on the health of their relationships.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways that depression impacts relationships.
Being in a close romantic relationship with another person requires significant emotional and mental energy. Spending quality time together and showing an interest in each other’s lives is the foundation of any good relationship. When a person is going through a depressive episode, they may find it more difficult to engage in emotional conversations or to be present during activities. To the partner, this can appear as the person is withdrawing from them. At the same time, the person with depression may feel guilty for their feelings, causing them to withdraw even further.
Depression can manifest itself in various ways. In many cases, people with depression can find it difficult to express themselves. These communication issues can put a strain on a relationship and can lead to frustrations and arguments that impact the union.
It’s normal for a person’s libido to lower when they’re living with depression, which can make engaging in physical intimacy more difficult. People with depression may also avoid other forms of close physical contact.
People with depression often experience mood swings that can make their behavior and words appear unpredictable. This can lead to an increase in the number of disagreements that the couple has.
We’ve seen how depression can impact relationships in any number of ways, but it’s important to remember that there are plenty of strategies that individuals can use to avoid letting their depression put strain on their relationships.
Recognizing that you have depression is the first step towards getting better and preventing it from having a negative impact on your relationship. While signs of depression can vary from person to person, some common symptoms include:
If you think you may be experiencing depression, then it’s important to speak to a professional. At Telapsychiatry, we offer personalized online mental health support that can help improve your mental well-being.
Creating a safe space within the relationship for all members to talk openly about their mental health challenges is paramount. By creating this environment, the person living with depression can feel comfortable sharing their experience, while at the same creating a window for the partner to show empathy towards their condition.
It can take time to create this environment. If you have a partner who is showing signs of depression, then it’s best to broach the topic gently. Taking the time to understand their experience during a judgment-free, caring conversation will make it more likely that your partner opens up about their difficulties in the future.
Living with depression isn’t easy. If you or your loved one is struggling with their mental health, then it’s recommended to seek professional help. Taking a proactive approach to treatment as early as possible can help avoid many of the side effects of living with depression, making it easier to manage relationships. At Telapsychiatry, we offer mental health services for various types of depression, including:
Practicing self-care can be a powerful tool in the fight against depression. People who have depression often fall into a cycle of negative thoughts, blaming themselves for arguments and other shortcomings in the relationship. Replacing those thoughts with positivity — for example, reminding yourself of the good qualities you bring to the relationship — can be an important step towards mental and emotional well-being.
Partners of people living with depression can also practice self-care. While you’ll want to be supportive, it’s important to ensure that your own well-being is your primary priority.
Planning trips, activities, and other events gives both people in the relationship something to look forward to. These activities also provide an opportunity to spend quality time together, and also function as a welcome reprieve from the stresses and strains of living with depression.
Schedule an Appointment With Telapsychiatry Today
A better future for you and your relationship is possible. At Telapsychiatry, our expert team of experienced mental health professionals are on hand to deliver personalized treatment plans that get results. Our affordable online services allow you to access mental health help from the comfort of your own home. To make an appointment for you or your partner, please call 888-903-5505.
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