Helping a Spouse or Partner Depressed

Helping a Spouse or Partner Depressed: 24905590

If the depressed loved one in your life is a spouse emotions!or romantic partner, there are a whole slew of additional issues that arise. Marriage is supposed to be a balanced partnership, but depression throws that balance completely out of whack. The depressed partner may be unable to fulfill both mundane responsibilities and the deeper emotional commitments that are the foundation of the relationship. Depression makes it difficult for a person to connect on a deep emotional level with anyone – even with the person he or she loves the most. To make matters worse, the sexual side effects of depression, and the antidepressant medications used to treat it, can further erode intimacy.
As the spouse or partner of a depressed individual, it’s easy to feel lonely, rejected, or unloved. Getting your partner into depression treatment is a step in the right direction. But in order to keep the relationship strong during the long recovery process, you may want to consider couples therapy. You can also use this time to learn how to manage stress in relationships and work through problems using emotionally intelligent communication. These skills will help you, through treatment and beyond, to communicate your needs clearly and respond to your partner’s needs in a healthy and positive way.

What Not to Say to a Depressed Person
Sometimes, it’s more important to know what NOT to say to someone living with depression. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, you should avoid saying things like:
•It’s all in your head.
•We all go through times like these.
•You’ll be fine. Stop worrying.
•Look on the bright side.
•You have so much to live for; why do you want to die
•I can’t do anything about your situation.
•Just snap out of it.
•Stop acting crazy.
•What’s wrong with you?
•Shouldn’t you be better by now?

Article Source : HelpGuide.org