At first, reconnecting with a person you stopped speaking to or dating can seem like a positive event. But as you begin the process of repairing a damaged relationship, it is not uncommon to experience depressive symptoms depending on the circumstances. Depression symptoms can include sleep disturbances, changes in your mood and appetite or crying spells.
Depression can exacerbate if you are the only one putting forth the effort to repair the relationship. Both parties should contribute to the healing process.
Step 1
Share your feelings with your partner as much as possible. Repairing your relationship means promoting a feeling of openness and honesty with your partner. According to Mental Health America, talking about your feelings and admitting to your partner that you feel depressed keeps the lines of communication open. Doing these things may also help to alleviate some of your sad and lonely feelings.
Step 2
Acknowledge your hurt feelings. Write them down in a journal or discuss them with a trusted friend. Keeping the hurt inside will only serve to exacerbate your depression. Being honest with yourself will expedite the healing process.
Step 3
Consider couples counseling. You may both benefit from talking to a neutral third party about your feelings, experiences and the triggers that caused the damage to your relationship. You will most likely experience an alleviation of your symptoms through receiving validation and support during the therapeutic process. If your depressive symptoms are unmanageable, your therapist can refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication evaluation.
Step 4
Seek out social support from people other than your partner. You may have isolated yourself from others due to your depressed feelings or the issues going on in your relationship. However, interacting with trusted friends will provide you with support and encouragement as you battle the depression. According to Help Guide, cultivating supportive relationships has a big impact on depression recovery.
Step 5
Manage your stress. Repairing a relationship can be a stressful process, taxing your mental and physical energy reserves. Developing a relaxation routine gives you quiet time to process your thoughts and unwind from the day's events. Try meditation or listen to a guided visualization CD. Give yourself time to stop thinking about your relationship and focus on yourself.
