Depression affects every aspect of life, and can even ruin relationships if left unchecked. When you’re struggling with depression, maintaining a healthy connection with your partner can be a real challenge.
The constant emotional turmoil, lack of energy, and negative thoughts can strain the strongest bonds. But remember, there is hope. With understanding, communication, and support, you can manage and overcome depression and nurture your relationship.
Let’s explore how depression affects relationships and how you can cope.
Common ways depression affects relationships
When one partner is battling depression, it inevitably influences the dynamics of the relationship. According to this study, couples reported that depression negatively impacted their romantic relationships. Here are some common ways depression affects relationships:
- Communication Breakdown: The affected person may withdraw emotionally, struggle to articulate their feelings, or become irritable and defensive.
- Loss of Intimacy: Depression can diminish libido and affect intimacy in relationships. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt can also make engaging in physical or emotional intimacy challenging.
- Increased Conflict: Negative thoughts and irritability can fuel conflicts within the relationship. Minor disagreements may escalate into major arguments, adding further strain.
- Role Reversal: The partner without depression may take on additional responsibilities, such as household chores or providing emotional support, which can lead to resentment and imbalance in the relationship.
- Isolation: People with depression may isolate themselves, including spending time with their partner’s friends and family, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Strategies to stop depression from ruining your relationship
While it’s not easy, these coping strategies can have a positive effect on your relationships.
1. Communicate with your partner
Communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, especially when dealing with depression. Aim to have open and honest conversations with your partner about how you’re feeling.
Express your emotions, concerns, and needs, this will encourage your partner to do the same. Active listening and empathy are key, so strive to understand each other’s perspectives without judgment. This alone can do wonders for any relationship.
2. Establish boundaries
Living with depression can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to establish healthy boundaries to protect not only your well-being but the health of your relationship.
Communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully. This may include setting limits on talking about certain topics or taking time for yourself when you need to recharge. Respect each other’s boundaries to foster a supportive and understanding dynamic.
3. Focus on the positive
While it’s important to acknowledge how depression affects your relationships negatively. It’s perhaps more important to focus on the positive aspects of the relationship.
Celebrating your achievements, milestones, and moments of happiness together. Practice gratitude and appreciation for your partner. By focusing on the positive aspects of your relationship, you can create a sense of hope and resilience that can help you overcome challenges.
4. Keep in contact
Depression can create distance and isolation within a relationship but try to stay connected even during the darkest moments. Check in with your partner regularly, even if it’s just a brief text or hug to show you care.
Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, this will help you to foster emotional closeness. It’s not easy, but try to be present even during the most difficult of times.
5. Work on intimacy
Depression can create barriers to intimacy, but it’s important to prioritise connection within your relationship. Find ways to foster intimacy, whether through physical touch, heartfelt conversations, or shared experiences.
Make time for regular date nights, romantic gestures, and affection to keep the spark alive. Building emotional and physical intimacy can strengthen your relationship and be a source of comfort.
6. Find professional help
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Counselling offers a range of beneficial tools and techniques tailored to manage symptoms and foster healthier communication within your relationship.
Additionally, couples counselling provides a safe environment to tackle challenges together, enhancing understanding and strengthening your connection as partners.
Ups and downs are common when living with depression, but when the downs start to outnumber the ups, it’s essential to take action.
Low Cost Online Counselling
Our low-cost counselling service gives you access to private therapy for only £29. Just follow these two simple steps to access our affordable counselling service.
Step 1: Go to the self referral contact form below.
Step 2: Complete the form to book and secure an initial free consultation.
It’s as simple as that. One of our team will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.
