Depression can damage a relationship. According to the National Mental Health Association, or NMHA, when someone in a relationship is depressed, it can be emotionally draining and trying on you and them. You may feel hurt or confused as your husband begins to pull away and isolate himself. While the experience of depression can be overwhelming, it is important to remember that many individuals and their loved ones battle depression and defeat it. The steps that you and your husband take can ward off depression and rebuild your relationship.
Step 1
Recognize depression as a mental illness. Do everything you can to understand depression. Find out about its symptoms, such as hopelessness, worthlessness, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, the inability to find pleasure in activities he previously enjoyed and potential suicide risks. Understand the causes, such as family history and seasonal effects. Educate yourself on the treatment options and outcomes. Doing these things will allow you to recognize that depression is not rational, the NMHA says. This knowledge will allow you to be prepared for when your husband responds to your help with rejection or scorn, according to the NMHA.
Step 2
Give advice, but only in the form of options, the NMHA says. Allow your husband to make decisions and be in control of his life. When he needs support, provide it in the form of options. Do not take control of everything. Even though he may become overwhelmed or frustrated, he has to rebuild his own life, the NMHA says.
Step 3
Seek treatment. According to the NMHA, one of the most important things in dealing with depression is to ensure that your husband engages in treatment. NMHA goes on to report that a combination of therapy and medication can help achieve remission. Encourage your husband to get help from a mental health professional. Help your husband to understand that if he receives the correct treatment he can get his life back, the NMHA says. Remind your husband of the importance of continued treatment and staying on his medication. Reward positive behaviors through praise and support.
Step 4
Support yourself. Let your husband know when he let you down or upset you. According to HelpGuide.org, when you keep everything in, resentment can build and make your relationship suffer. Communicate with him and let him know how you feel by speaking with sensitivity. Do not take on every responsibility. It is your job to support and guide your husband, but you cannot do everything. If you try to, you may experience burnout and resentment, according to HelpGuide.org. Establish the limits of what you are willing to do and express those limits. Let your husband and his therapist handle everything else. Keep your own life going. Maintain your friendships. Make your appointments. Keep up with your exercise and physical activity. Ensure that you obtain seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you need outside support, get it. Join a support group or attend individual therapy sessions of your own.
