Depression is often viewed as an individual problem, but a recent body of research has shown how depression can also affect our relationships.
In fact, depression can have a cyclical effect on relationships.
See, depression can start to affect the quality of your relationships, and in return. the features of your relationship can affect your level of depression.
This means that being depressed can cause you to pay less attention to your partner, and in turn, your partner may feel neglected and withdraw from you.
This can then lead to even more depression, making it a vicious cycle.
Psychologists and researchers also point out four key facts to building a strong relationship. A relationship that can fortify you and your partner against the withering effects of depression.
So if you’re struggling with depression, take a glance at the four key ways to shore-up relationships, even while depressed.
Talk to your partner about depression.
Now, what this means is that you should not try to hide your depression from your partner.
I once again began to feel hopeless. My days blended into nights as I went from painfully racing thoughts to sadness words can’t easily describe.
See, I have been with my partner for three years.
But, I felt like I was already a burden. How could I open up about everything that was bothering me the most?”
The above illustrates that we know that at times you may feel as if you are a hardship to your loved ones.
But, they love you and want you happy.
If you can believe that to be true, then you can also believe that they want to help you through this depression.
Yes, it will be difficult, but It Is so worth it.
Do not isolate yourself from your partner or friends and family.
This is one of the most important things you can do to save your relationship while depression takes over. When we become depressed, it is so easy to isolate ourselves.
But, what this does is make depression worse. So please, reach out to your partner or friends and family when you are feeling down.
Make time for activities that make you happy.
Remember when I said that depression can have a cyclical effect on relationships? Well, the same is true for happiness! When we make time for things that make us happy, it can have a positive effect on our depression.
So make sure to schedule some time for yourself to do things that make you happy.
It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that brings a smile to your face. Seek professional help.
Honestly, this should probably be number one on the list, but I wanted to save the best for last. Seeking professional help is by far the best way to overcome depression and heal your relationships.
Depression is a serious illness, and it requires professional help to get better. If you are struggling with depression, please reach out to us today. It could be the best decision you ever make.
I hope that this article has helped you see depression in a new light and given you some hope for the future.
Remember, depression is tough, but you are tougher. You got this! We are standing by to help you.
Additional Research:
Davila, J., T.N. Bradbury, C.L. Cohan, and S. Tochluk. 1997. Marital functioning and depressive symptoms: Evidence for a stress generation model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 4: 849-861
Proulx, C.M., C. Buehler, and H. Helms. 2009. Moderators of the link between marital hostility and change in spouses’ depressive symptoms. Journal of Family Psychology 23: 540-550.
