Living with a depressed partner It is only natural for us to all feel sad and apathetic every now and again, but for some people, they experience these feelings to an intolerable extent and often without a cause. People suffering from depression find it difficult to complete simple day to day tasks and frequently lack the motivation to part take in activities they once enjoyed. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, and the prevalence of it is on the rise. What a lot of people do not realise, however, is that the distress of depression tends to go beyond the sufferers, to their friends, family and other acquaintances. While this can be a very frustrating and emotionally taxing matter, there are a number of things someone who is living with a person with depression can do to help lessen the burden for both themselves and the sufferer. Educate yourself Take the time to do some research and find out as much as you can about depression. Although you may not be able to understand exactly what your partner is going through, you can still gain a well-rounded knowledge about the disorder. Alongside this, it will also demonstrate to your partner how much you care about them. Encourage them to seek help A number of people with depression either disclose all of their worries with their partner, or deny they have a problem altogether, both of which can be very detrimental in the long run. Explain that if they want to get better, they need to seek professional help. Offer to go with them to these sessions until they are comfortable going alone. Treat it as a physical illness Always remember that depression is a real disease with real symptoms, and it needs just as much attention as any other physical illness would. If your partner had broken their foot for instance, their abilities, energy and mood are all likely to decrease dramatically, and you would cater to these new needs. Treat depression in the same way. Small acts of kindness Everyone loves getting little surprises that make them smile. Doing simple things such as leaving your partner a note, giving them compliments or cooking their favourite meal can lift their mood, even if they don’t always show it. Be supportive Depressed people often feel isolated and unloved. Continually reinforce the fact that you are there for your partner and that you are happy to help them out in any way you can. Remember not to confuse this kind of support with ‘rescuing’. Exercise Studies have shown that regular exercise significantly decreases the negative effects of depression. Exercise has proven to increase the ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain, improve energy, provide relief from stress and anxiety, and the list goes on. Start exercising yourself, and then encourage your partner to exercise with you. Take care of yourself Living with someone who has depression can take a lot of energy and patience, and can be very demanding, physically and emotionally. While it is important to look after your loved one and ensure that their needs are being met, it is essential that you meet you own needs. Take time for yourself and do things that you enjoy. By Monica – Former ADAVIC Volunteer
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 09:30:00 +0000
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