How Does Depression Affect Relationships
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Depression Can Cause Complications In Relationships
Depression can be linked to relationships. Occasionally, the relationship itself can trigger depression in an individual. Yet, people may experience depression even in a "happy" relationship.
Depression is a mental health condition affecting approximately 264 million people worldwide. Whether your partner struggles with depression or you live with depression, Depression Affects Relationships in numerous ways.
Symptoms Of Depression?
Depression Affects Relationships with mental, emotional, and physical Symptoms, which can be persistent and include:
feeling worthless, guilty, or sad.
feeling angry or irritable
low self-esteem
loss of sex drive or libido
fatigue and tiredness
difficulty making decisions or concentrating
suicidal thoughts
changes in appetite
sleeping less or more than usual
loss of interest in socializing or hobbies
Mental, emotional, and physical Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe.
As reported by a 2015 study, couples revealed that depression adversely impacted their romantic relationships in ways such as:
uncertainty
lack of understanding
dependence on the relationship
lack of energy/motivation
isolation
emotional toll
communication
romance and sexual intimacy
Romantic Relationships
There are many symptoms of depression, like irritability, fatigue, and change in appetite and sleep. These symptoms make everything more difficult in a relationship.
A depressive episode can make everything seem less appealing and cause a lack of interest in doing anything with your spouse or significant other. So, when your partner desires to spend time with you, it may feel like a burden or irritating.
Depression Affects Relationships by affecting their stability. This happens through fading Sexual desire. You might want to withdraw as your sexual desire fades and dissipates. You may experience feelings of worthlessness or guilt because of how you're feeling.
Other Relationships
Depressive episodes can also cause a lack of interest in spending time with family and friends. It even affects work life, making it hard to engage with coworkers. Depression symptoms Affect Relationships negatively. Those experiencing depression often turn down social invitations.
Depression Affects Relationship: Tips To Minimize The Adverse Effects
While it's not easy, the following ways can positively impact your relationships.
Understand Your Depression
Look into hormone imbalances, sleep habits, exercise habits, stress levels, and food quality.
Open Up About Your Mental Health.
Open up about details concerning your mental health with your significant other.
Ask For What You Need.
Keeping your partner in the loop about what you need can help keep you close.
Prioritize Time Together
Figure out the times and situations when your energy is the best, and plan to do things together. Choose times and things that will help the two of you feel close and connected.
All Other Relationships
Learn The Word 'NO.'
It's ok to say 'no' to anything you can't take on now. Depression affects your energy levels and ability complete tasks or self-care.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes managing your depression seems impossible all by yourself.
Deciding to consult an individual or couple’s therapist is a positive step toward your mental health and growth. However, seeking help from professionals is not an admission of failure. Instead, this step opens the door for learning healthy coping skills and other healthy habits.
How Does Depression Affect Relationships: Abuse
One 2020 study reports that various forms of intimate partner violence were related to new cases of major depressive disorder in women. And new cases of anxiety in men. Abuse is prevalent even though it seems as though it would be a rare occurrence. This is particularly correct regarding emotional abuse, such as:
manipulative, controlling, or possessive behavior
behavior intended to punish, subdue, or break someone down
isolating someone from family and friends
How can depression affect relationships: Sex and intimacy
People facing depression might feel exhausted, withdrawn from their partner, or less interested in hobbies. Depression affects relationships by diminishing libido. Depression can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
In a 2012 study, over 42% of females and 33% of males living with depression stated having a decrease in libido. This leads to complications in relationships.
How Partners Can Help
What partners can do is offer understanding, love, and compassion. If someone feels they are in a loving and secure relationship, they may feel more supported in seeking treatment.
Some other things that partners can do to help include:
Learning about depression
Providing a safe space
Offering practical support
Setting boundaries and expectations
How Does Depression Affect Relationships: Infidelity
Adultery or unfaithfulness in a relationship also causes relationship distress and breakdown. Depression Affects Relationships when humiliation and betrayal become emotionally traumatic when a significant other cheats in an exclusive relationship. An older 2012 case study reported that infidelity could also increase the chance of suicidal thoughts and symptoms.
Moreover, a 2016 study discovered that a partner's infidelity boosted the probability of a depressive episode in individuals who are at higher risk of depression.
Depression can be hard and painful to deal with. Depression looks different for each individual living with it. This means the way depression affects a relationship will differ from person to person.
How Does Depression Affect Relationships: moving forward
Depression affects people of all ages. Living with depression can make sustaining relationships problematic but not impossible.
Open communication about your needs, feelings, or challenges allows you to work with your loved ones and reinforce your bond. It allows you to learn more about depression and you can also:
set small, feasible goals that improve mental health.
asking for help from a family member, trusted friend, or partner
connecting with a support group
As always, we’d like to be clear that this blog post isn’t intended as professional counseling or clinical advice. If you need support, please consider speaking to a professional to be evaluated.
If suicidal thoughts are present, call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room if you are worried about yourself or a loved one taking their own life.
At Comfort Counseling Center, we provide Depression Therapy through online counseling for black Christian professionals and entrepreneurs across the state of Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts.
You are welcome to explore our counseling services or contact us to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation to see if we might be able to support you as you journey forward. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions before your consultation.